


Charter, By-Laws 



Officers 



Middlesex County Historical Society, 



CONNECTICUT. 



1901. 



MIDDLETOWN, CONN. 

PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY. 

1901. 



Charter, By-Laws 



Officers 



Middlesex County Historical Society, 



CONNECTICUT, 



1901. 



MIDDLETOWN, CONN. 

PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY. 

1901. 






Pelton & King, £ 

Printers, J 

.. 3 



Gift 
The Society 

'08 



OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY, 

Elected June 10, 1901. 



PRESIDENT. 
AZEL WASHBURN HAZEN, D. D., 



MlDDLETOWN. 



VICE-PRESIDENTS. 
ALBERT RANDOLPH CRITTENDEN, 
LYMAN ALLEN MILLS, - 



MlDDLETOWN. 

MlDDLEFIELD. 



SECRETARY-TREASURER. 

JOSEPH THOMAS ELLIOTT, - 



- MlDDLETOWN. 



EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 
THE PRESIDENT. 
THE VICE-PRESIDENTS. 
THE SECRETARY-TREASURER. 
CHARLES RUFUS WOODWARD, - 

JOHN HALL SAGE, 

FRANK FARNSWORTH STARR, - 



MlDDLETOWN. 

Portland. 

MlDDLETOWN. 



MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE. 
WALTER BULKLEY HUBBARD, - Middletown. 

CLARENCE SEYMOUR WADSWORTH, - Middletown. 

ERNEST ARTHUR MARKHAM, M. D., ----- Durham. 

FRANK BENTLEY WEEKS, Middletown. 

CHARLES ABNER PELTON, Middletown. 



State of Connecticut, General Assembly, 1901. 
AN ACT INCORPORATING 

The Middlesex County Historical Society. 



Resolved by this Assembly: 

Section i. That Wilbur O. Atwater, Edwin P. 
Augur, James H. Bunce, James H. Bunce, Jr., Walter 
P. Bradley, Clarence E. Bacon, Eugene H. Burr, Dale 

D. Butler, Morris B. Crawford, O. Vincent Coffin, 
Seward A*. Coffin, Herbert L. Camp, George A. Craig, 
Frank A. Coles, George A. Coles, Albert R. Critten- 
den, Richard L. de Zeng, Edward C. Douglas, Elmer 
G. Derby, Joseph T. Elliott, Richard C. Fagan, E. 
Burton Fall, Frederick \Y. Greene, Fred E. Gibbons, 
Elijah K. Hubbard, Azel W. Hazen, Frank D. Haines, 

E. Kent Hubbard, Jr., Walter B. Hubbard, Daniel T. 
Haines, Louis de Koven Hubbard, George H. Hulbert, 
Charles E. Jackson, Edward O. Jackson, Delmar R. 
Lowell, C. Bingham Leach, Lyman A. Mills, Revilo 
C. Markham, Addison G. McKee, George T. Meech, 
G. Ellsworth Meech, Henry L. Mansfield, D. Ward 
Northrop, Charles Alfred Peltou, Wesley U. Pearne, 
Charles Abner Pel ton, John Gideon Palmer, Samuel 
Russell, Samuel Russell, Jr., T. Macdonough Russell, 
William North Rice, Frank Farnsworth Starr, William 



W. Van Deursen, James C. Van Benschoten, John M. 
Van Vleck, Frank B. Weeks, Clarence S. Wadsworth, 
Henry Woodward, Charles R. Woodward, Frank C. 
Whittelsey, H. Charles Whittlesey, William W. Wilcox, 
William W. Wilcox, Jr., together with such other per- 
sons as are now or hereafter may be associated with 
them, with their successors, be and they are hereby 
constituted a body politic and corporate by the name of 
The Middlesex County Historical Society, to be 
located at Middletown, for the purpose of promoting 
the study of historical and genealogical subjects in 
general, and especially in relation to said county, and 
for the collection and preservation of objects illustra- 
tive of history. 

Sec. 2. Said corporation shall have power to make 
and adopt a constitution and such by-laws as it may 
from time to time deem best, regulating thereby all 
matters concerning the objects, membership, and gov- 
ernment of said corporation, and shall have such other 
powers as belong to a corporation under the laws of this 
state. 

Sec. 3. Said corporation may purchase, hold, con- 
vey or mortgage any real or personal estate to an amount 
not at any time exceeding fifty thousand dollars, which, 
together with the income thereof, used for the purposes 
aforesaid, shall be exempt from taxation. 

Sec. 4. Said corporation shall meet once each year 
in the town of Middletown for the election of such 
officers as shall be prescribed by the by-laws; provided y 



however, that in case of failure to hold said meeting, or 
to elect its officers, said corporation shall not thereby be 
dissolved, and said officers shall hold office until their 
successors are elected and qualified. 

Sec. 5. The first annual meeting of said corpora- 
tion shall be held at such time and place in said Mid- 
dletown as shall be designated by Rev. A. W. Hazen, 
Albert R. Crittenden, and George A. Craig, or any 
two of them, five days' notice thereof being given by 
them by mail to each member of the society, and there- 
after, annual meetings and all other meetings shall be 
held in accordance with the provisions of the by-laws 
of said society. 

Approved April 18, 1901. 

State of Connecticut, ) 

. ss. 

Office of the Secretary, » 

I, Charles G. R. Vinal, Secretary of the State of 
Connecticut, and keeper of the seal thereof, and of the 
original record of the Acts and Resolutions of the Gen- 
eral Assembly of said state, do hereby certify that I 
have compared the annexed copy of the Resolution 
incorporating Ti-ie Middlesex Couxty Historical 
Society, with the original record of the same now 
remaining in this office, and have found the said copy 
to be a correct and complete transcript thereof. And I 
further certify, that the said original record is a public 
record of the said State of Connecticut, now remaining 
in this office. 



SEAL. 



In testimony whereof, I have hereunto 
set my hand and affixed the seal of said 
state at Hartford, this 15th day of May, 
1 90 1. 

Chas. G. R. Vinal, 

Secretary. 



The following names were added to the list of mem- 
bership before acceptance of charter: 

Mary A. H. Bunce, John Charles Broatch, Ellen E. 
Coffin, Jennie M. Clark, Alice Gray Derby, Samuel 
Hart, D. D., Mary T. Hazen, Walter C. Jones, Mary 
Elizabeth Lyman, Ernest Arthur Markham, M. D., 
John Hall Sage, Orrin E. Stoddard, Elizabeth S. 
Wilcox, Emerett Elizabeth Wilcox Payne, Mary H. 
Wilson, Bradford Paul Raymond. 



BY-LAWS 

— OF — 

The Middlesex County Historical Society. 



ARTICLE I. 

MEMBERS. 

Section i. The Society shall consist of Resident, 
Corresponding, and Honorary Members. 

Resident members shall be inhabitants or former in- 
habitants of Middlesex County, or descendants of such 
inhabitants or former inhabitants, and no other mem- 
bers shall be entitled to vote in any meeting of the 
Society, or to hold any office in said Society. 

Persons not inhabitants of Middlesex County may be 
admitted as Corresponding or Honorary Members, and 
shall not be subject to any admission fee or tax. 

Honorary members shall be persons who may have 
rendered important service in historical inquiry or liter- 
ature. 

Section 2. All candidates for membership shall be 
nominated by the Committee on Membership, at least 
one calendar month before their election. The vote on 
the election of members shall be taken by ballot at a 
regular meeting of the Society. Whenever two ballots 



appear against the admission of any person whose name 
has been proposed, such name shall be referred back to 
the Committee on Membership. If said Committee 
renew the nomination, a ballot may be taken thereon 
at the next regular meeting. If two-thirds of the 
ballots cast are in the affirmative, such person shall be 
admitted to membership. 

Section 3. Applicants for resident membership shall 
pay an admission fee of three dollars ($3) which shall 
accompany their application and be in lieu of all dues 
for the current year. In case of rejection, the fee shall 
be returned. 

Annual dues shall be two dollars ($2) which shall be 
due and payable at the annual meeting. 

Any member may become a life member upon the 
payment of twenty-five dollars ($25), which shall be 
accepted in lieu of all annual dues. 

Failure to pay the annual dues for two consecutive 
years, shall operate as a forfeiture of membership and 
a withdrawal from the Society. 

Section 4. Every resident member upon admission 
to the Society, shall be presented by the Secretary with 
a copy of these by-laws, and the acceptance of the same 
by such member shall be considered an acceptance of 
the foregoing provision in regard to the forfeiture of 
membership. 



ARTICLE II. 

OFFICERS AND STANDING COMMITTEES. 

Section i. The officers of the Society shall be a 
President, two Vice-Presidents, and a Secretary-Treas- 
urer. 

There shall be an Executive Committee consisting 
of seven members, and a Committee on Membership 
consisting of five members. 

Section 2. The President, the Vice-Presidents, and 
the Secretary-Treasurer shall be ex officio members of 
the Executive Committee. The officers and standing 
committees shall be chosen by ballot at the annual 
meeting. 

Section 3. The President shall preside in the meet- 
ings of the Society and the Executive Committee, shall 
call special meetings of the Society or the Executive 
Committee whenever he shall deem it necessary, or 
whenever he shall be requested in writing by any three 
resident members of the Society, or any two members 
of the Executive Committee, and shall deliver or pro- 
vide for an address at the annual meeting. 

Section 4. The Secretary-Treasurer shall conduct 
the correspondence of the Society, keep an accurate 
record of the transactions of the Society and of the 
Executive Committee, and have the custody of all the 
funds of the Society, paying out the moneys only on 
the written order of three members of the Executive 



Committee. He shall keep a full record of all receipts 
and disbursements, and make a written report thereof, 
and of all other matters of interest pertaining to the 
Society, at the annual meeting. 

His financial report shall be audited by a Committee 
before being presented to the Society; such Committee 
to be appointed at each annual meeting. 

He shall send to each resident member of the Society, 
a written notice of every meeting of the Society, and to 
each member of the Executive Committee, a written 
notice of every meeting of the Committee. 

He shall keep a record of all books, papers and other 
articles given or loaned to the Society, and of the con- 
ditions upon which each article is received. 

Section 5. The Executive Committee shall have 
general charge of the affairs and property of the Society; 
they may purchase books or other objects suited to the 
purposes of the Society, and may appoint suitable per- 
sons for the care and custody of such property; they 
shall not sell or alienate any books or other property of 
the Society except when authorized by a vote of the 
Society; and they shall not incur any expenditure in 
excess of the appropriations made by the Society. 

The regular meetings of the Executive Committee 
shall be held immediately upon the adjournment of the 
regular meetings of the Society. Three members shall 
constitute a quorum of the Executive Committee. 



ARTICLE III. 

MEETINGS. 

Section i. A regular meeting shall be held on the 
third Tuesday of each month unless otherwise ordered 
by vote of the Society. The regular meeting of the 
month of April shall be the annual meeting. 

Special meetings may be called by the President as 
provided in Article II. 

Section 2. Seven resident members shall consti- 
tute a quorum. 

ARTICLE IV. 

ARTICLES RECEIVED ON DEPOSIT. 

All papers and other articles deposited with the 
Society, shall be receipted for and carefully preserved 
under the direction of the Executive Committee, and 
shall be delivered to the owner at any time upon the 
production of said receipt, or of other proof of owner- 
ship satisfactory to the Executive Committee; but upon 
the death of the owner of any such deposit, the owner- 
ship of the same shall vest in the Society, unless, at 
the time of making the deposit, other conditions shall 
be prescribed by the depositor. 

ARTICLE V. 

AMENDMENTS. 

These by-laws may be amended at any regular meet- 
ing, provided notice of such proposed amendment shall 
be given at the previous regular meeting and provided 
also, that a statement of the proposed amendment be 
included in the Secretary's notice of the meeting, at 
which such action is to be taken. 

[The foregoing by-laws were adopted at regular meetings of the 
Society held June 4 and October 15, 1901. | 



f autpljlrt No. 2 * April, 19II4 



Address of the President, the Rev. 
Azel Washburn Hazen, D. D., at 
the Annual Meeting held in the 
Williams Library, Middletown, 
Connecticut, April Nineteenth, 
Nineteen Hundred and Four 



"Local history is the ultimate substance 
of national history. There could be no 
epics were pastorals not also true, • • • 
no patriotism, were there no homes, no 
neighbors, no quiet round of civic duty. 
• • • The history of a nation is only the 
history of its villages written large. • • • 
Surely here, in these old hamlets that an- 
tedate the cities, in these little communi- 
ties that stand apart and yet give their 
young life to the nation, is to be found 
the very authentic stuff of romance for 
the mere looking. • • • Here, surely, 
sunk deep in the very fibre of the stuff, 
are the colors of the great story of men, 
• • • the lively touches of reality and 
the striking images of life." 

— Prt'sitfejit Woodroiv Wilson. 



Tbs Society 



THE 

Middlesex County Historical Society 



JT was three years yesterday since the charter of 
the Middlesex County Historical Society was ap- 
proved by the Legislature of the Commonwealth. 
So quietly has it been doing its work in these years 
that many persons in the community are not aware of 
its existence, and only a very few are conversant with 
what it has accomplished. Hence it is thought that a 
brief statement of what has been done by the Society 
thus far may be an incentive to ampler achievements 
in the future. Not that there is any large occasion 
for pride in the record of the years, yet that it may 
be evident that substantial progress has been made in 
laying the foundations of an organization which shall 
be of permanent and ever- increasing value to the 
County whose name it bears. 

The movement for the formation of this Society 
grew out of the celebration of the 250th anniversary 
of the settlement of Middletown. So deep was the 
interest then awakened in the honorable history of 
this town, so numerous and so priceless were the arti- 
cles then exhibited as the possessions of our citizens, 
the feeling was quite general that a society should be 
organized, the aim of which should be to preserve and 
perpetuate the memories of our venerable past, as well 
as to take into its custody the countless relics of other 
days that are now in peril of loss, or of ruin, or of 
transfer to other localities, to whatever extent these 
might be committed to its guardianship. 



It is well known to not a few persons hereabouts 
that the prime mover in this commendable enterprise 
was Mr. Albert R. Crittenden. But for his intelligent 
interest in the past, his genuine public spirit, his pa- 
tient persistence, his generous self-sacrifice, his cease- 
less labors, and his strong hold of the public, it is safe 
to say that this organization would not now be in ex- 
istence. It has alwa3'S been a matter of deep regret 
with myself that he should not have been its first 
President, a position which he had fully earned, and 
to which he would surely have been recommended, 
had he not been a member of the committee to nomi- 
nate officers. Many }-ears must not pass before he 
presides over the Society of which he is the founder. 

The first meeting of persons desiring the establish- 
ment of this Society was held in the parlor of the 
Young Men's Christian Association, Dec. 20, 1900. 
The names of those present at this gathering should 
not be forgotten. They are as follows: E. P. Augur, 
G. A. Craig, A. R. Crittenden, E. G. Derby, E. C. 
Douglas, F. D. Haines, A. W. Hazen, C. B. Leach, 
A. G. McKee, D. W. Northrop, C. A. Pelton, W. N. 
Rice, F. F. Starr, J. C. Van Benschoten, W. W. Van 
Deursen, J. M. Van Vleck, C. S. Wadsworth, F. B. 
Weeks, and C. R. Woodward, — nineteen in all. 

It was the unanimous judgment of these gentlemen 
that a Historical Society ought to be established here, 
and a Committee of five was appointed tc consider 
plans for carrying the idea into effect. This Com- 
mittee consisted of Messrs. A. R. Crittenden, C. R. 
Woodward, F. F. Starr, F. D. Haines, and W. N. 
Rice. 



At a meeting Jan. 17, 1901, this Committee re- 
ported the draft of a charter, which was unanimously 
approved, and Messrs. Crittenden and Haines were 
appointed to present it to the Legislature. The peti- 
tion for the granting of the charter was signed by 
sixty-three citizens of Middletown, whose names are 
embossed upon a large copy framed by the Society, 
and are also printed in the first pamphlet issued, con- 
taining the charter, by-laws, and names of the original 
officers. To this list sixteen other names were added 
before the acceptance of the charter. A glance at this 
list reveals the fact that it consists of some of the most 
substantial men and women of our city. 

The charter being granted to The Middlesex County 
Historical Society April 18, 1901, and having the seal 
of the State affixed thereto May 15, 1901, together 
with the name of one of our own prominent citizens, 
the Hon. Chas. G. R. Vinal, as Secretary of State, 
was accepted June 4, 1901. By-laws were adopted at 
the same time. Six days later, June 10, officers were 
elected, and the organization was thus completed. 
Since this date the Society has held twenty-two meet- 
ings for business, and sixteen public meetings, at 
which papers have been read. The attendance at the 
business meetings has ranged from a bare quorum of 
seven members to twenty-two; at the public meetings, 
from fifteen to about eight}-, the average probably be- 
ing not far from thirty. This record, in view of the 
fact that several meetings were held in the City Court 
Room, an uninviting place, and that the Society has 
had no permanent local habitation, and that it is the 
few, rather than the many, who take a sterling 
interest in its aims, is perhaps as large as could have 
been expected. 



After the earlier meetings in the rooms of the Young 
Men's Christian Association, and in the City Court 
Room, the parlors of the First Church were occupied 
for somewhat more than a year. Since the autumn of 
last year, the convenient and attractive rooms of the 
Williams Library have been at our disposal, through 
the courtesy of the Professors of the Berkeley Divinity 
School, one of whom, the President of the Connecticut 
Historical Society, honors our own organization by 
faithful membership therein. 

The business accomplished by the Society thus far 
has been for the most part preliminary and necessary 
to its equipment. Much thought and considerable 
labor have been bestowed upon the fundamental mat- 
ter of an appropriate and abiding home for the insti- 
tution. Progress has certainly been made in this 
direction, inasmuch as the situation is more and more 
clearly conceived by our members, and some generous 
gifts have been pledged for the purpose. Further 
words on this theme will be demanded later. Tem- 
porary accommodations for books and pamphlets have 
been furnished us by the kindness of the Librarian of 
Wesley an University, whom we are glad to number in 
our goodly fellowship, who allows us the use of an 
alcove there, which is under lock and key. But our 
other possessions, some of them of genuine value, are 
merely stored here and there by persons enough en- 
listed in our work to give them friendly shelter. Still, 
there is reason to fear that these varied, and in some 
instances cumbersome articles, may outstay their wel- 
come. Our charter has been neatly framed, and it is 
ready to adorn any walls on which it may rightfully 
hang. A comely pamphlet has been issued containing 



our constitution and by-laws, a fitting book-plate has 
been devised and constructed, blanks for membership 
and other uses have been prepared, strong and ample 
books have been made for our records, and for the 
registry of our treasures. Forty folio pages have al- 
ready been inscribed with our doings, while one hun- 
dred and thirty-four accessions have been catalogued, 
with at least fifty more waiting for entry. Papers of 
a notable character have been read before us, the pre- 
senting of several of which has given distinction to our 
organization, as well as honor to our city. 

In view of such a record for less than three years 
of activity, though the Society has no considerable 
ground for boasting, it has surety no reason for hu- 
miliation or discouragement. The membership, 
largely increased during the last year, is at present 
1 06, as shown by the report of the Secretary. This 
roll contains the names of some of the most influential 
residents of our town and of adjoining ones. While 
the funds actually in our hands are still scant, we 
have every assurance of increase in the near future, if 
we are true to our opportunity in carrying forward 
the work so auspiciously inaugurated. 

Of the incorporators of the Society, four have passed 
from earth during the three years since the charter was 
granted, viz. John G. Palmer, James C. Van Benscho- 
ten, Wm. W. Van Deursen, Win. W. Wilcox. Of 
these, Professor Van Benschoten and Mr. Van Deursen 
attended the first meeting in reference to organization. 
They were both warmly engaged in the enterprise, 
giving to it their most cordial and intelligent support. 
Professor Van Benschoten had been the President of 
the Middletown Historical Society, which was organ- 
ized in the early seventies, but which had only a brief 



existence. He was fond of historical research, and took 
an honest pride in the annals of his adopted town, which 
was made the better for his long residence here as an 
instructor, a public-spirited citizen, and a Christian 
gentleman. Mr. Van Deursen belonged to one of our 
oldest and most worthy families, with an honorable 
lineage for generations. He was conversant with our 
history, and a diligent student of the past. Possessing 
many valuable relics of former years himself, he took 
delight in all that came under his observation, while 
he was enthusiastic in his desire that this Society 
should be established, as the natural guardian of rich 
treasures in which this community abounds. That he 
would have placed some of his own possessions in its 
keeping can hardly be doubted, had he lived to see it 
properly housed. 

Mr. Wilcox, though his health did not permit him 
to attend any meetings of the Society, was one of its 
most ardent supporters. He was loyal, in thought, in 
speech, and in deed, to the town of which he was so 
long an esteemed resident. He desired to see it pros- 
per, and he wished its hoary traditions to be held in 
remembrance. Hence he offered this Society — at first 
the sum of $1,000 towards a suitable structure for its 
occupancy. This liberal proffer was soon multiplied 
by two, — a tangible witness to his sense of the impor- 
tance of our work, and of his willingness to help it 
forward. So sincere was he in his proposition that he 
caused it to be inscribed in his last will and testament, 
that we might be the more certain to avail ourselves 
of it. And the executors of this document have cour- 
teously lengthened the time suggested by him, in order 
that we may have the fullest opportunity to realize the 
earnest wish of our distinguished friend. It would be 



pitiful indeed, if not shameful, should we fail to ac- 
quire that which is so persistently held within our 
reach. 

Another member, whose name was added to the list 
of incorporators before the charter was accepted, has 
just fallen out of our ranks by death, — Major John 
Charles Broatch. He was a citizen whose diligent ser- 
vice of the town, and of the country, will not soon be 
forgotten. His departure, in the prime of his stalwart 
manhood, was a cause of sadness to all who knew him. 

Of the sixty-three original applicants for the charter 
of the Society, fifteen, or nearly one-fourth, never 
qualified as members. This failure, however, must 
not be attributed wholly to lack of interest in the aims 
of the organization. 

Of the one hundred and six persons whose names 
are now on our roll, twenty-one, or about one-fifth, 
are delinquents in the matter of annual dues. This 
again, may be owing more to inadvertence, than to 
indifference. We surely should give them the benefit 
of this doubt. 

Many of the articles presented to the Society are of 
extreme value, while hardly any can be deemed worth- 
less. Over two hundred volumes have been received, 
several of which are rare, and along the line of our 
purposes, — such as the Centennial Address, and the 
Statistics of Middlesex County, by Field; the Mac- 
donough Hackstaff Ancestry, many Middletown Di- 
rectories, and State Registers, books concerning the 
American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy, 
which preceded the Wesleyan University, documents 
relative to the State, Congressional Publications, the 
Hon. N. D. Sperry having placed our Society on his 



mailing list, books concerning the Sons of the Revolu- 
tion, several volumes issued in Middletown, which was 
formerly somewhat of a publishing centre, etc., etc. 
These are only as drops before the shower, we are 
confident, in case we shall be able properly to care for 
and to exhibit what is committed to our keeping. 

Not a few pamphlets and papers of dignified age and 
eminent worth have been received. Perhaps the rarest 
of the former is entitled "Experiments and Observa- 
tions on Electricity, made at Philadelphia in America, 
by Mr. Benjamin Franklin, and communicated in sev- 
eral letters to Mr. P. Collinson, of London, F. R. S.," 
issued in London, in 1751. This is a document above 
all price. The oldest paper in our possession, I think, 
is Rivington's "New York Gazetteer, or the Connecti- 
cut, Hudson's River, New Jersey, and Quebec Weekly 
Advertiser, Printed at his Open and Uninfluenced 
Press, fronting Hanover Square." This antique sheet, 
with so pompous a title, bears the date of June 16, 
1774. Its chief value for us is its report of a debate 
in the British Parliament on the American Colonies. 
This was upon the "Third Boston Bill." One mem- 
ber of the House plainly declares that the bill is meant 
to enslave America, and expresses the hope that it will 
be resisted. Whereupon Lord North makes this to us 
amusing assertion — "Sir, there is a ship arrived, I 
think her name is the Fortune, Captain Gorham; she 
arrived in Boston Harbour the latter end of February, 
or beginning of March, 1774, I cannot say which; she 
was loaded with tea; the inhabitants came immediately 
and unloaded her, and emptied the contents of her 
cargo into the sea. Is this, Sir, seeing their error? 
Is this, Sir, reforming?" 



These trophies of the past are merely specimens of 
multitudes stored in this vicinity, which we may hope 
to secure, and to rescue from destruction, as soon as 
we are in a position to accept them and to place them 
where they ought to be. We should obtain all pam- 
phlets and papers possible, that may throw light upon 
our past. We should own copies of every book pub- 
lished in the County, and of all works in which our 
citizens have been interested, as well of those written 
here, of which four at least appeared in 1903, of con- 
spicuous merit. 

Then, there are various products not of a literary 
nature, a few of which we already have, that will 
surely fall to us in due season. We have many assur- 
ances that such gifts are waiting for the Society, when 
it is prepared to receive them. 

One trust of no small significance has already been 
placed in our charge. We have been made the guar- 
dian of all documents relating to the celebration of the 
250th anniversary of the settlement of this town. It 
should be the endeavor of the Society to publish these, 
fitly edited, and to secure in connection with them a his- 
tory of the town, as well as of those which have sprung 
from it, at no distant day. The possibilities for a full, 
an accurate, and a sympathetic history of Middletown 
and its environs are rapidly lessening with the process 
of the suns. This is a task far too long delayed already. 
Who will take it up and carry it forward successfully, 
if this organization does not ? 

The noble boulder which marks the site consecrated 
by the first settlers of Middletown has been entrusted 
to the custody of this Society. It will be our duty, as 
well as our privilege, to guard it sacredly, keeping it- 
self and its surroundings in such condition as their 



12 

importance demands. Other trusts of a kindred na- 
ture in different parts of the County may be imposed 
upon us from time to time. Why should not others 
of our historic buildings and places be marked with 
simple and permanent tablets? 

This ship, so well launched, with the creditable voy- 
age already made, asks little of the town and of the 
County in comparison with services it is prepared to 
render to them. Though its membership is by no 
means insignificant in numbers or in character, in 
view of its age and the want of adequate facilities for 
executing its mission, it seeks more names for its roll, 
that it may have their sympathy and their material 
aid. The annual fee of two dollars is of small account 
to any individual, yet many times multiplied, it means 
much to this institution. It seeks further gifts of books, 
pamphlets, papers, and historic relics of all kinds, that 
its collection may be constantly enriched, and thus 
more worthy in itself, and of more significance to its 
constituents. 

Beyond all, at present, it holds out its hands for 
donations of money, that it may take early posses- 
sion of the legacy from the estate of Mr. Wilcox. It 
would be unj ust • to his memory, as well as untrue to 
our alluring opportunity, to allow this large sum to 
be diverted from us, as it must be, if we do not bestir 
ourselves. 

In a word, this Society is so bold as to believe that 
it can become a lasting honor to our County, if it can 
obtain even a modest home for itself, and for the treas- 
ures in hand, together with the manifold number sure 
to be bestowed upon it. With rooms suited to its use, 
it is sure to expand, and to benefit the community. 
Without these, its life cannot be very long nor very 
useful. 



* * Iftstanral Swteig * * 



-^^M 



Address of the President, the Rev. 
Azel W. Hazen, D. D., Report of 
the Secretary, Mr. Heman C. Whit- 
tlesey, and Report of the Treasurer, 
Mr. Joseph T. Elliott, at the Annual 
Meeting held in the Williams Libra- 
ry, Middletown, Connecticut, April 
Eighteenth, Nineteen Hundred Five 



"A spot of local history is like an inn 
upon a highway: it is a stage upon a far 
journey: it is a place the national history 
has passed through. There mankind has 
stopped and lodged by the way. Local 
history is thus less than national history 
only as the part is less than the whole. 
The whole could not dispense with the 
part, would not exist without it, could 
not be understood unless the part also 
were understood. Local history is sub- 
ordinate to national only in the sense in 
which each leaf of a book is subordinate 
to the volume itself." 

— Woodrow Wilson. 



PRESS OF PELTON i KING. 



T . 



Site MxbiitBtx (ttmmtg Hjtafartral §on?tg. 

Preai&rnt'a Abforraa. 



/"TThe address of the President at the last annual 
\u/ meeting recounted the story of the formation, 
and of the first three years, of the Middlesex 
County Historical Society. That address was pub- 
lished, and it was circulated beyond the limits of the 
Society. Copies of it still remain in the hands of the 
Secretary, and they can be supplied to any persons 
who may desire information concerning the early years 
of our organization. One of these pamphlets went to 
the Professor of History in Smith College, Northamp- 
ton, Mass., which led to immediate inquiries as to the 
basis of our Society and its work. Northampton was 
settled in 1654, four years later than Middletown. 
The celebration of its 250th anniversary last year was 
made the occasion of the formation of a local Historical 
Society there, a movement which was furthered by 
our own example. This venerable Massachusetts 
town has many points of resemblance to ours, and the 
transactions of 1904 added another to the list. 

The report of the Secretary is so full and so admir- 
able, that nothing need be added to it along its line. 
I suggest its publication and distribution, that the 
citizens of the County may be more fully informed 
relative to our situation, as it is at present, and incited 
to make ampler contributions to our treasures. 



In this connection let me recommend the appoint- 
ment of an Assistant Secretary and Librarian for the 
ensuing year. Some person can be secured, I am 
confident, for a small payment by the hour for such 
services as may be rendered. It is too much to ask 
of our busy Secretary that he perform the drudgery 
of his office. The Society is now in a position finan- 
cially to employ another person for this purpose. To 
keep the records of our meetings, and to attend to 
such correspondence as may be needful, is all we 
ought to. ask of a citizen with so many and so pressing 
engagements as our Secretary. The sending out of 
notices of our meetings to a hundred people, more or 
less, the acknowledging, and entering, and filing, and 
labelling of contributions, and all other matters of 
detail, should be the task of an Assistant. 

It has been the hope of your President that the 
way might open for him to retire before this time. 
And he would be greatly pleased to be now relieved 
of the duties of his office. He can consent to remain 
in it only at the unanimous wish of the members, and 
with the feeling that he may yet be able to accomplish 
somewhat for the furtherance of the Society in the 
important mission which he believes it has to execute 
for Middletown, and for Middlesex County. 

The Society met an irreparable loss in the death of 
Mr. Charles Rufus Woodward, Dec. nth, 1904. A 
sketch of his life, together with an appreciation of 
his character and services, has already been placed on 
our records. Yet I must take this occasion to express 
anew my own sense of his personal worth, and of his 
value to our organization. Mr. Woodward was a man 
of unusual abilities, of varied training, and of large 
information. He had mingled much with men, and 



had attached not a few to himself as loyal friends. He 
had accurate knowledge of a wide range of subjects, 
and this was always at his command. Not many men 
of affairs could talk so readily and so intelligently on 
multitudes of matters as could he. He filled public 
positions to which he was called with rare fidelity and 
acceptance. As Selectman of the town, as Mayor of 
the city, as a member of the Legislature of the Com- 
monwealth, he was efficient and influential. Had it 
been his will, he could have held prominent stations 
ofteuer and longer than he did. He loved the com- 
munity in which he lived for more than two genera- 
tions, and he rejoiced in its prosperity. He was 
familiar with its history and its traditions, and was 
solicitous that these should be preserved. Hence 
his deep interest in this Society, a member of whose 
Executive Committee he had been from its founda- 
tion. Perhaps his last subscription of a public nature 
was one made to our fund, which he earnestly desired 
to see pledged to the full amount required, and in the 
raising of which he was actively enlisted till his last 
days. In a conversation I held with him less than a 
week before his lamented departure, he expressed his 
eager wish that we might be successful in our under- 
taking. We shall sorely miss his well-stored memory, 
his wise counsels, and his unfailing friendliness. 

While we held several meetings of conspicuous value 
during the last year, and while persons of eminence, 
like Mr. P. Henry Woodward, Dr. Curtis M. Geer, 
and Pres. Flavel S. Luther, of Hartford, and others, 
honored us by reading papers at our sessions, the work 
for which the year will be most memorable was the ac- 
quisition of a fund of $6,000 for the support of the 
Society. The energetic labors of the Committee having 



the matter in charge, the liberal donations of friends 
in this and neighboring towns, together with the gen- 
erous legacy of that high-minded citizen, the late Mr. 
Wm. W. Wilcox, most kindly held for us by the exec- 
utors of his will beyond the limit fixed by himself, made 
possible, and made actual, this important achievement. 
The entire amount is already well invested, thanks to 
the wisdom and the skill of our able Finance Committee, 
and it will soon begin to furnish us an income which 
will increase our means of carrying forward our work. 
But this sum, helpful as it will be, does not lessen our 
need of a- permanent home for our institution. L,et us 
hope that the time is not far remote when other legacies 
shall fall to us, or when some building or portions of a 
building shall come into our hands, which may be 
adapted to our growing necessities, providing for us a 
"local habitation," as well as a "name." Meantime 
we must not fail to recognize the distinguished courtesy 
of the officers of the Berkeley Divinity School in allow- 
ing us to gather under the roof of this comely edifice, 
honorable as it is by reason of the name it bears, and 
of the noble ends which it serves. 

In the judgment of your President, it should be our 
chief aim to trace out and to record the story of our 
towns, and of our numerous notable institutions, as 
well as the biographies of our leading people of the 
past, and of the present. There are still a few vener- 
able men and women among us whose recollections are 
of priceless value. From such we should learn all we 
can, and that without delay. 

Many of our dwelling houses and public structures 
have stories which ought to be told, and to be pre- 
served. We have also trees and streams, hills and 
valleys, which contain fascinating secrets, to be yielded 
up to painstaking research. 



Further, when we can secure papers of value on any 
topics, particularly on those of local color, we shall soon 
be in a condition to publish them, and thus ensure their 
preservation. Nor must we ever forget that a credit- 
able history of our town and of our County is yet to 
be written. The publication of the proceedings of the 
250th anniversary celebration, deferred with the hope 
of getting a fuller manuscript from Professor Fiske, 
has already been too long delayed. 

Inquiries are frequently made as to whether such a 
paper, or document, or book, or article of other kind, 
would be acceptable to the Historical Society. Let us 
make ourselves a Committee of the Whole to assure 
all persons having anything of historic interest that we 
welcome all such, and that we will pledge ourselves 
to take due care of them. Perhaps it would be wise 
for us to arrange a Loan Exhibition, for the sake 
of bringing our Society more prominently before the 
community. Many intelligent people seem still to be 
ignorant of our existence, not to say merely of what 
we have accomplished thus far. 

After having lived with more or less vigor for four 
years, and having enrolled a membership of over one 
hundred, and after having gathered a considerable en- 
dowment, it is certain that the Middlesex County 
Historical Society has come to stay, and that it can 
contribute materially to the well-being of the territory 
included in its limits. It is here to do its work as well 
as it may. Its constitution is in general accord with 
those of similar organizations in this and other States, 
having been carefully devised. It appeals to our com- 
munity and to our County for aid, because it has shown 
itself to be worthy of the confidence and of the assistance 
of all persons who prize the history and mementoes 



of days gone by. It is not an institution for Middle- 
town only, but for the entire County of Middlesex. 
And this County should not forget that it is an integral 
part of the noble Commonwealth of Connecticut, while 
the State itself is one of the original sections of an im- 
perial nation. 




g^rrrtarti'a 1&?part. 



Mr. President and Members of the Society: In accord- 
ance with our By-Laws I have the honor to submit 
herewith my annual report, it being the fourth report 
of the Society's Secretary. 

MEETINGS. 
During the year now ended regular meetings have 
been held on the third Tuesday of each month with 
the exception of July, August and September. In 
connection with our meetings we have followed the 
same practice as in previous years; that is, we have 
first had a short session for the transaction of routine 
business, and then have held a public meeting for the 
purpose of listening to a paper upon some subject of 
either local or general historical interest. The only 
exceptions during the year were the two meetings of 
June 2 1 st, 1904, and January 17th, 1905. In the 
former case the meeting failed for lack of a quorum, 
and in the latter the time was spent upon important 
matters of business, and no public meeting was held. 
The Society takes much pleasure in placing upon 
record this expression of its sincere gratitude to the 
ladies and gentlemen respectively who have given both 
the members of the Society and the public the privilege 
of listening to papers so entertaining and instructive. 
The papers have covered a wide range of subjects and 
have brought to our attention many historical facts of 



April 


19- 


May 


17- 


Oct. 


iS. 


Nov. 


15- 


Dec. 


20. 


Feb. 


21. 


Mar. 


21. 



a timely and interesting nature. The list of speakers 
and their subjects is as follows — 

1904. 
Rev. A. W. Hazen. An address at the annual 

meeting. 
Mr. P. Henry Woodward. The Investigation 

of the Star Route Frauds. 
Rev. Edward O. Grisbrook. A Tory Trail. 
Miss Anna E. Smith. Patrick Henry. 
Pres. Flavel S. Luther. Kepler. 

I9°5- 
Prof. Curtis M. Geer. The State of Franklin. 
Mr. Chas. E. Jackson. Old letters and 
manuscripts. 

Prof. Geer very kindly presented to the Society for 
its archives the copy of his paper on the State of 
Franklin. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

The number of members now upon our roll is prac- 
tically the same as it was a year ago. We have gained 
five active members and have also added three names 
to our list of life members. We have lost three 
members by death, two have resigned and a few, who 
had never qualified, have been dropped. A year ago 
the record was one hundred and four active members 
and two life members or a total of one hundred and 
six. At present the membership consists of ninety- 
nine active members, five life members, or a total of 
one hundred and four. In the case of new members 
an official letter is sent to each one notifying him of 
his election and enclosing a copy of the Society's 
Charter and By-Laws and a list of the officers and 
members. 



11 

ATTENDANCE. 
In attendance at the business sessions of the monthly 
meetings a fair average has been maintained as com- 
pared with that of previous years: that is, the mem- 
bership has been represented by a company of from 
ten to fifteen members who have shown a genuine 
interest in the Society's affairs and have made a 
practice of being present at nearly every meeting. 
The public meetings, held in the congenial surround- 
ings of the Williams Library, have maintained a 
uniformly high standard and have attracted a certain 
number of hearers who we are assured have felt well 
repaid for their attendance. 

PUBLICATIONS. 
The record of the Society in this respect is natur- 
ally limited, and probably is explained by the short 
period of its existence. Our principal publication 
during the year, was the issue of a pamphlet con- 
taining the address of the President, as delivered at the 
annual meeting on April 19th, 1904. The address was 
a sympathetic and comprehensive review of the organ- 
ization, purposes and history of the Society. It was 
intended primarily for circulation, in its printed form, 
amongst the Society's membership, but many copies 
have also been sent to other members of the community 
who it was thought would probably be interested in the 
objects of our local Historical Society. The address 
was numbered in regular sequence as Pamphlet No. 2; 
Pamphlet No. 1 being represented by the printed copy 
of the Society's Charter and By-L,aws. The only 
other publication which we have issued is a printed 
list of the members and the officers, as elected on 
April 19th, 1904. 



PRINCIPAL EVENTS. 

Some of the principal events in connection with our 
history for the past year are as follows — 

The death of Mr. Chas. R. Woodward, one of our 
Charter members, on December nth, 1904. 

Authorizing the Executive Committee to purchase 
historical material. 

The completion of the endowment fund, and 

The appointment of a Finance Committee to care 
for the Society's funds. This Committee is — Walter 
B. Hubbard, John H. Sage, Wallace K. Bacon, and 
Joseph T. Elliott, the Treasurer. 

PLACE FOR ARCHIVES. 
It is gratifying to be able to report that during the 
year we have again received a variety of articles of 
historical interest together with a number of valuable 
old books, documents, pamphlets, etc. It is a matter 
of regret, however, that the Society has still no 
quarters of its own in which it can properly store 
and classify its valuable archives. It is confidently 
believed that just so soon as this urgent want shall 
be suitably provided for, our collection of important 
material relating to the early history of Middletown 
and Middlesex County will be largely increased. In 
the meantime the Society has gladly taken advantage 
of the kind offer of the College authorities and has 
stored its archives temporarily in the appropriate 
setting of a section of the Wesleyan Library. 

. GENERAL. 
Referring to our present condition as compared w r ith 
that of a year ago, it may be stated that we have made 
substantial progress. The Society has now the solid 



foundation of an endowment fund, the income from 
which will provide for the maintenance of a permanent 
home as soon as one shall be secured, and the coopera- 
tion and support of its membership will undoubtedly 
stimulate interest in its purposes and contribute to 
its success as an active and efficient organization for 
the collection and preservation of historical material. 

Respectfully submitted, 

H. C. Whittlesey, Secretary. 




14 



Srpaaurrr'a &?part. 



Joseph T. Elliott, Treas., in account with The Middlesex 
County Historical Society: 

receipts. 

Balance on hand at last report, ----- $646 80 

Received fees for five admissions, - - - - 15 00 

Received dues from 86 members, - 172 00 

Received for one Life Membership, - 25 00 

Received from subscription to Special Fund, - - 5,405 00 

Received for interest on daily balance, - - - 24 1 1 

#6,2S7 91 

DISBURSEMENTS. 

Paid Voucher No. 26, Printing, $20 00 

Paid Voucher No. 27, Stationery, - 5 40 

Paid Voucher No. 28, Postage and Printing, - - 1 1 70 

Paid Voucher No. 29, Use of Hall and Janitor, - - 12 00 

Paid Voucher No. 30, Painting fence around Boulder, 14 00 

Paid Voucher No. 31, Printing, 6 50 

Paid Voucher No. 32, Printing, 2 50 

Paid Voucher No. 33, Stamped envelopes, - - 10 60 
Paid Voucher No. 34, Deposited Farmers' & Mechanics' 

Savings Bank, ... 500 00 
Paid Voucher No. 35, Deposited Freestone Savings 

Bank, 500 00 

Paid Voucher No. 36, 2 Bonds Buffalo & Susquehanna 

R. R. 4s, - - - - 1,990 00 
Paid Voucher No. 37, 2 Bonds St. Louis & Iron Moun- 
tain R. R. 4s, - - - 1,953 33 
Paid Voucher No. 38, Deposited Columbia Trust Co., 500 00 
Balance, - - - 761 88 

$6,287 91 



This is to certify that I have examined the books, vouchers, 
and securities in the hands of the Treasurer, and compared 
them with the foregoing statement and find the same to be 
correct. 

Frank B. Weeks, Auditor. 

Middletown, Conn., April 18th, 1905. 



Investments of Middlesex County Historical Society. 
2 Bonds Buffalo & Susquehanna R. R. 4s, - 
2 Bonds St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern 4s, 
Farmers' & Mechanics' Savings Bank, Middletown, 

Conn., 

Freestone Savings Bank, Portland, Conn., 
Columbia Trust Co., Middletown, Conn., - 

$5,500 00 
Joseph T. Elliott, Treasurer. 



52,000 


00 


2,000 


00 


500 


00 


500 


00 


500 


00 




ElfrtpJi April lBtlj, 1905. 



PRESI DENT. 

AzEL W. Hazen, D. D., Middletown. 

VICE-PRESIDENTS. 

Albert R. Crittenden, - Middletown. 

Lyman A. Mills, Middlefield. 

SECRETARY. 

Heman C. Whittlesey, Middletown. 

TREASURER. 

Joseph T. Eeeiott, Middletown. 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 

The President, The Secretary, 

The Vice-Presidents, The Treasurer, 

John H. Sage, ------- Portland. 

Frank F. Starr, Middletown. 

MEM BERSH I P COM M ITTEE. . 

Walter B. Hubbard, - Middletown. 

Clarence S. Wadsworth, - Middletown. 

Ernest A. Markham, M. D., - - - - Durham. 

Frank B. Weeks, Middletown. 

Charles A. PelTon, Middletown. 



Stye fflibbltBtx (ttflttnty 
* * iftsttfriral gmrtrtip * 

Pamphlri Nn. 4 - Mag, 19flB 



Address of the President, the Rev. 
Azel W. Hazen, D. D., Report of 
the Secretary, Mr. Heman C. Whit- 
tlesey, and Report of the Treasurer, 
Mr. Joseph T. Elliott, at the Annual 
Meeting held in the Society's Rooms 
in the Masonic Building, Middle- 
town, Connecticut, April Seven- 
teenth, Nineteen Hundred and Six 



" Within the limits of this 
county Englishsettletnents com- 
menced, in Saybrook in 1635, in 
Middletown in 1650, and in Had- 
dam in 1662; from which the 
settlements afterwards proceed- 
ed in the towns opposite, on the 
east side of Connecticut river. 
The settlement commenced in 
Killingworth in 1663, and in 
Durham in 1698. The first set- 
tlers were almost exclusively of 
English extraction, and with 
their descendants individuals 
from other nations have rarely 
intermixed. They came, in a 
few instances, immediately from 
England, but more generally 
from older settlements in Con- 
necticut and Massachusetts. ' ' 

(Field's Statistical Account of 
Middlesex County, published by 
Clark and Lyman, Middletown, 
1819.) 



'. 






^The President of the Middlesex County Historical 
W' Society deems himself remarkably fortunate in 
securing for this annual meeting a paper by Prof. 
Samuel Hart, D.D., D.C.L., on a theme so fascinating 
as that of "Yale College in Saybrook." This relieves 
him of the necessity of saying many words himself, 
and offers an unusual privilege to the Society. The 
topic of the evening is along the line of the legitimate 
work of this organization — that of exploring and re- 
cording the history of this County. Other papers of 
the last year have been of special pertinence and value 
locally. The one by Judge Peck, on Thomas Hooker, 
that by Mr. Adams, on The Last Days of the Colony 
of Connecticut, and by Mr. Murphy, on Connecticut 
during the Revolution, 1774-83, that by Col. Parsons, 
on The Battle of Bunker Hill, with special reference 
to Connecticut's part in it, dealt with the annals of our 
own commonwealth: while the one by Mr. Hubbard, 
on The Meigs Family in America, had even more of 
local color, since many bearing that honorable name 
have been residents of Middletown, and some of their 
descendants still survive among us. Thus the Society 
has not been unmindful of its peculiar obligations 
under its charter. It is the hope of your President 
that much more excellent and needful work may be 
accomplished in the near future along similar avenues 



of investigation. Our principal effort should be di- 
rected to searching out our own past, and to placing 
on record events and incidents and portraitures of char- 
acter, which are worthy of preservation. Here we 
have an ample field for all our best endeavors, and one, 
also, which has been very imperfectly cultivated, as 
yet. In this regard, the language of President Wood- 
row Wilson, who was for two years an honored citizen 
of this town, is of genuine significance: — "The right 
and vital sort of local history is the sort which may be 
written with lifted eyes — the sort which has an horizon 
and an outlook upon the world. Sometimes it may 
happen, indeed, that the annals of a neighborhood 
disclose some singular adventure which had its begin- 
ning and its ending there: some unwonted bit of for- 
tune which stands unique and lonely amidst the myriad 
transactions of the world of affairs, and deserves to be 
told vSingly and for its own sake. But usually the sig- 
nificance of local history is, that it is part of a greater 
whole. ' ' 

Our Society has now had an existence of five years, 
having safely passed its infancy, and reached the bloom 
of early youth. It is no longer a question whether or 
not it is to survive. It has demonstrated its intention 
and its power to live. After various migrations, it has 
the last year occupied a home which it controls, and 
which it can call its own until more capacious quarters 
are at its disposal. These rooms are too straitened for 
even our present requirements, to say nothing of our 
constantly enlarging needs. Yet it is a decided advance 
in our career to have any place where we can gather 
and preserve our multiplying acquisitions. We have 
a permanent fund of $6,000, a library of over 600 
volumes, and more than 300 pamphlets, besides a few 



papers of exceeding value. Our books are not mere 
trash, but many of them are rare, and important. We 
have already quite a collection of works issued from 
presses in this city, in the early and the middle years 
of the last century. If our members are faithful, and 
our friends as generous in the future as heretofore, 
there is reason to expect this Society to be the pos- 
sessor of an assemblage of books worthy the name of 
an historical library. We have also manuscripts and 
documents of unusual interest, together with a few 
souvenirs which are attractive. It is known to many 
of you, I suppose, that the contents of the room of War 
Relics in the Russell Library are now regarded as the 
property of this organization. 

Likewise, the roll of our members is continually 
lengthening. A glance thereat shows it to contain the 
names of some of our most intelligent and public- 
spirited citizens. It is a matter for congratulation that 
death only once invaded our ranks. The Rev. John 
Townsend passed to the life beyond in June last. 
While his health did not permit him to be active in 
the Society, he was in full sympathy with its aims. 
His large intelligence, his loyalty to truth, his unstained 
character, his generous regard for the welfare of this 
community, of the entire commonwealth, and of the 
nation, made his name a distinguished honor to our 
list, and one to which we affix a star with keenest 
sorrow. 

But I am detaining you too long from the pleasure 
you are anticipating. It is a matter of sincere rejoicing 
with us that the President of the Connecticut Historical 
Society is also a member of ours, and that he is ever 
ready to give to us the benefit of his wide information, 
his mature judgment, his finished culture, and his 



genial presence. Permit me to felicitate you, as well 
as our city, that he belongs to us, and, in spite of 
allurements offered by other institutions, seems inclined 
to remain among us. It is my earnest hope that he 
may yet become the historian of this venerable town- 
ship. I present to you Dr. Samuel Hart, Bishop 
Williams Professor of Doctrinal Theology, and of the 
Prayer Book, and Acting Librarian of the Berkeley 
Divinity School. 



(Dr. Hart read an entertaining and instructive paper, dealing with the 
early history of Saybrook, and with the first years of Yale College in that 
venerable township. It is the hope of the Society that this paper may be 
published in the near future.) 




£>?rrrtary's Slrport. 



Mr. President and Members of the Society: In accord- 
ance with our By-Laws I have the honor to submit 
herewith my annual report, it being the fifth report of 
the Society's Secretary. 

MEETINGS. 
During the year now ended regular meetings in ac- 
cordance with our By-Laws have been held on the 
third Tuesday of each month with the exception of 
June, August and September. The only exceptions 
during the year were the two meetings of July 18th, 
1905, and February 20th, 1906, when the whole time 
was applied to the consideration of matters of business 
and no public meeting was held. The record of the 
nine meetings during the year, therefore, includes the 
annual meeting, two meetings for business only and 
six meetings at which the members and public were 
invited to listen to an historical paper or address. The 
dates of the meetings with the names of the speakers 
and list of subjects are given in detail as follows: 

1905- 

April 18. Annual Meeting. Address by the Presi- 
dent. Reading of annual reports and 
election of officers. 

May 16. Judge Epaphroditus Peck of Bristol, Conn. 
"The Life and Work of Thomas Hooker." 

July 18. Business Meeting for Members only. 

Oct. 17. Col. Francis Parsons of Hartford, Conn. 
"The Battle of Bunker Hill" with special 
reference to Connecticut's part in it. 



Nov. 21. Mr. B. P. Adams of Wesleyan University. 
"The Last Years of the Colony of Con- 
necticut." 

Dec. 19. Mr. W. G. Murphy, Jr., of Wesleyan Uni- 
versity. "Connecticut during the Revo- 
lution; 1774-1783." 

1906. 

Jan. 16. Prof. G. M. Dutcher, Ph. D., Hedding Pro- 
fessor of History in Wesle}'an University. 
"Benjamin Franklin; the Man and His 
Work." 

Feb. 20. Business Meeting for Members only. 

Mar. 20. Mr. J. M. Hubbard of Middletown, Conn. 
"The Meigs Family in America." 

In the above papers there has been presented in a 
vivid manner an account of the stirring times and in- 
cidents in the useful and busy lives of the early settlers 
and of noted men of more recent date, and it has been 
profitable to contemplate the story of their struggles 
in public and private service, the record of their 
achievements and their devotion to the larger interests 
of state and country. It gives the Society much 
pleasure to place upon record this hearty acknowl- 
edgment of its sincere thanks and appreciation to the 
gentlemen who have so willingly given both the mem- 
bers of the Society and the public the opportunity of 
listening to papers so entertaining and instructive. 

ATTENDANCE. 

Speaking first of the business sessions at the monthly 
meetings it is a pleasure to report that the attendance 
has been remarkably good as compared with that of 
previous years. The members have attended the ses- 
sions promptly and in considerable numbers. Refer- 
ence is made here especially to those members who, 



from the first, have shown a warm interest in the 
affairs of the Society and who have indicated their de- 
sire to support and develop it by attending the meet- 
ings regularly. As to the attendance at the public 
meetings the report is of the same encouraging nature. 
The rooms have been comfortably filled on each oc- 
casion. The meetings have maintained a uniformly 
high standard and have attracted audiences varying 
from twenty-five to forty in number. The papers and 
addresses have been of a character which it was be- 
lieved would appeal to the members of this community 
and those who have taken advantage of the oppor- 
tunity to be present have, we are assured, felt them- 
selves abundantly repaid. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

The number of members now enrolled indicates a 
sustained interest in the affairs of the Society which is 
at once reassuring and gratifying. We have gained six 
active members or one more than the record for the 
previous year. We have lost one member by death 
and four have dropped out. The number of life mem- 
bers remains the same. At the time of our last annual 
meeting the record was ninety-nine active members 
and five life members or a total of one hundred and 
four. At present the membership consists of one 
hundred active members, five life members or a total 
of one hundred and five. 

PRINCIPAL EVENTS. 

In connection with the year's history the follow- 
ing matters are recorded as being specially worthy of 
mention: 

Renting rooms in the Masonic Building and fitting 
them for the Society's use. 



10 

Engaging the services of an Assistant Secretary and 
Librarian. 

Offering the use of the Society's rooms to Wads- 
worth Chapter, D. A. R., and The Middletown Old 
Burying Ground Association. 

Authorizing the Executive Committee to prepare a 
card catalogue of the books in the Society's library. 

PUBLICATIONS. 

The list of publications issued by the Society up to 

the present is as follows: 

Pamphlet No. I. The Society's Charter and By-Laws. 

" 2. President's Address as delivered at the 

annual meeting of April 19th, 1904. 
" 3. President's Address and Reports of the 

Secretary and Treasurer, as presented at 

the annual meeting of April iSth, 1905. 
" List of members and officers as on April 

19th, 1904. 

THE SOCIETY'S ROOMS. 

Since May, 1905, the Society has occupied two rooms 
in the Masonic Building under an annual lease and for 
the first time in its history has enjoyed the advantage 
of having quarters of its own. The rooms have been 
fitted with furnishings of a sort suitable for the So- 
ciety's purposes. The furnishings include a set of 
substantial oak book cases, and the books which were 
formerly in the temporary keeping of the library of 
Wesleyan University, have been transferred, and are 
now properly arranged on the shelves in the Society's 
rooms, and are easily accessible. A number of inter- 
esting and historical books from the War Relic Mu- 
seum have also been added to the Society's library. It 
is a pleasure to be able to report that during the year 



11 

we have again received a variety of articles of his- 
torical interest together with a number of rare old 
books, documents, pamphlets, etc. Our collection of 
important material relating to the early history of 
Middletown and Middlesex County is steadily increas- 
ing, and this gratifying result is no doubt in part due 
to the fact that the Society now has its own quarters, 
and is so much the better prepared to store and 
classify its valuable archives. 

GENERAL. 
The record for the year is one of moderate but sub- 
stantial progress. This hopeful condition is confirmed 
alike by the annual statistics and by the display of an 
admirable spirit of unflagging interest and loyalty that 
is shown on the part of the members. The outlook 
for the future, too, is full of promise. We expect that 
there will be a steady growth in the membership and 
we believe that as the scope of the Society's plans be- 
comes more fully understood, an increasing number of 
the priceless memorials and relics of our venerable 
history will be lodged in the Society's archives for 
safe and permanent custody. The Society is, we 
submit, fulfilling its function as an efficient organiza- 
tion for the collection and preservation of local and 
general historical material, and it renews with confi- 
dence its appeal for the continued support and co- 
operation of all who are interested in the worthy 
purposes for which it was organized. 

Respectfully submitted, 

H. C. Whittlesey, Secretary. 



12 



otoaaurpr'a Report. 



Joseph T. Elliott, Treas., in account with The Middlesex 
County Historical Society: 



receipts. 
Balance on hand at last report, - 
Received fees for six admissions, 
Received dues from 7S members, 
Received from subscription to Special Fund, 
Received for interest on bonds, - 
Received for interest on daily balance, 



£761 88 
18 00 

156 00 
25 00 

160 OO 
II 28 



Paid 
Paid 
Paid 
Paid 
Paid 
Paid 
Paid 
Paid 
Paid 

Paid 
Paid 
Paid 
Paid 
Paid 
Paid 
Paid 
Paid 
Paid 
Paid 
Paid 
Paid 



Voucher No. 
Voucher No. 
Voucher No. 
Voucher No. 
Voucher No. 
Voucher No. 
Voucher No. 
Voucher No. 
Voucher No. 

Voucher No. 
Voucher No. 
Voucher No. 
Voucher No. 
Voucher No. 
Voucher No. 
Voucher No. 
Voucher No. 
Voucher No. 
Voucher No. 
Voucher No. 
Voucher No. 
Balance, 







$1 


,132 16 




DISBURSEMENTS. 






39. 


Furniture, ... 


- 


$32 25 


40, 


Signs, ... . 


- 


12 00 


4i, 


Gas Burners, ... 


- 


3 00 


42, 


Postage and Printing, 


- 


8 80 


43, 


Carriages, ... 


- 


3 25 


44, 


Services of Librarian, 


- 


6 12 


45, 


Printing, - 


- 


4 50 


46, 


Cleaning rooms, etc., 


- 


5 68 


47, 


Deposited in Middletown 








Savings Bank, 


- 


500 00 


48, 


Printing, - 


- 


19 00 


49, 


Furniture, ... 


- 


48 50 


50, 


Furniture, ... 


- 


18 66 


5i, 


Care of Grounds around Boulder, 


4 05 


52, 


Stationery, ... 


- 


58 


53, 


Services of Librarian, 


- 


1 97 


54, 


Rent, .... 


- 


100 00 


55, 


Furniture, ... 


- 


12 00 


56, 


Painting Fence around Boulder, 


17 00 


57, 


Services of Librarian, 


- 


4 47 


58, 


Cartage, .... 


- 


6 00 


59, 


Gas, 




1 00 
323 33 



$1,132 16 



INVESTMENTS. 

2 Bonds Buffalo & Susquehanna R. R. 4s, - - - $2,000 00 

2 Bonds St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern 4s, - 2,000 00 

Farmers' & Mechanics' Savings Bank, - - - 516 78 

Columbia Trust Company, 515 10 

Freestone Savings Bank, 516 78 

Middletown Savings Bank, 500 00 

$6,048 66 

Joseph T. Eeuott, Treasurer. 



This is to certify that I have examined the books, vouchers, 
and securities in the hands of the Treasurer, and compared 
them with the foregoing statement and find the same correct. 

Waeeace K. Bacon, Auditor. 

Middletown, Conn., April nth, 1906. 




14 



LIFE MEMBERS 



Albert R. Crittenden, 
Azel W. Hazen, 



Mrs. Azel W. Hazen, 
Mrs. Walter B. Hubbard, 



Mrs. William W. Wilcox. 



MEMBERS 



Charles P. Abbey, 
Abel C. Allison, 
Joseph W. Alsop, 
Edwin P. Augur, 

Samuel Babcock, 
Clarence E. Bacon, 
Wallace K. Bacon, 
Francis A. Beach, 
Abner A. Bevin, 
Mrs. Jane D. Boardman, 

JUDSON B. BRAINERD, 

James H. Bunce, 
Mrs. James H. Bunce, 
James H. Bunce, Jr./ 
Robert W. Burke, 
Eugene H. Burr, 
Wilbur F. Burrows, 
William H. Burrows, 
Dale d. Butler, 

J. Francis Calef, 
Miss Jennie M. Clarke, 
W. Harry Clemons, 
Edward S. Coe, 
O. Vincent Coffin, 
Mrs. O. Vincent Coffin, 
George A. Craig, 



William J. de Mauriac, 
Richard L,. de Zeng, 
George M. Dutcher, 
Joseph T. Elliott, 
William T. Elmer, 

Richard C. Fagan, 
John L. Fisk, 
Henry H. Francis, 

Frederick E. Gibbons, 
Ferdinand Gildersleeve 
Oliver Gildersleeve, 
Miss Emma C. Gilman, 
Archibald C. Goodrich, 
Frederick W. Goodrich, 
Robert S. Griswold, 
James K. Guy, 

Frank D. Haines, 
Asaph H. Hale, 
Stephen S. Hall, 
Frank K. Hallock, 
Samuel Hart, 
Lucius R. Hazen, 
Miner C. Hazen, 
E. Dyer Hubbard, 
Elijah K. Hubbard, 
E. Kent Hubbard, Jr., 



15 



Josiah M. Hubbard, 
Walter B. Hubbard, 
Geo. H. Hulbert, Jr., 

Charles E. Jackson, 
Edward Q. Jackson, 
William J. James, 

C. Bingham Leach, 
Delmar R. Lowell, 
Miss Mary E. Lyman, 
Charles E. Lyman, 

Henry L. Mansfield, 
Ernest A. Markham, 
Revilo C. Markham, 
Mrs. Ellen Mathewson, 
Arthur D. Medlicott, 
Joseph Merriam, 
Lyman A. Mills, 
William Mylchreest, 

Mrs. Eliz. A. Northrop, 

Richard H. Pascall, 
Charles A. Pelton, 
William D. Penfield, 
Wallace Porter, 
Albert E. Purple, 



Bradford P. Raymond, 
Mrs. Abbie A. Reynolds, 
William N. Rice, 
Samuel Russell, 
Samuel Russell, Jr., 

John H. Sage, 
Philip Sage, 
Miss Emily A. Selden, 
Frank F. Starr, 
Charles O. Stone, 

Willis E. Terrill, 
Mrs. Anna S. Titcomb, 
Miss Mariana Townsend, 

John M. Van Vleck, 

Clarence S. Wadsworth, 
Oliver S. Watrous, 
Frank B. Weeks, 
Mrs. Frank B. Weeks, 
William S. Wetherbee, 
Heman C. Whittlesey, 
William W. Wilcox, 
Caleb T. Winchester, 
Henry Woodward. 




iEbrteU April irtb, 19DB. 



PRESI DENT. 

AzEL W. Hazen, ..--.- Middletown. 

VICE-PRESIDENTS. 

Albert R. Crittenden, Middletown. 

Lyman A. Mills, Middlefield. 

SECRETARY. 

H. C. Whittlesey, Middletown. 

TREASURER. 

Joseph T. Elliott, Middletown. 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 

The President, The Secretary, 

The Vice-Presidents, The Treasurer, 

John H. Sage, .- - Portland. 

Frank F. Starr, ' - - - - - - Middletown. 

Ernest A. Markham, M. D., - - - - Durham. 

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE. 

Walter B. Hubbard, Middletown. 

Clarence S. WadsworTh, - Middletown. 

Frank B. Weeks, Middletown. 

Charles A. Pelton, Middletown. 

Wallace K. Bacon, Middletown. 



Pelton & Kino. Print, middletown 



Sit? MxbbitBtK (Unirntg 



Reports of the Secretary and the 
Acting Treasurer, Mr. Heman C. 
Whittlesey, as presented at the 
Annual Meeting held in the Soci- 
ety's Building, Middletown, Con- 
necticut, April Sixteenth, Nineteen 
Hundred and Seven; also a List 
of the Officers and Members 



"The beginnings of New Eng- 
land were made in the full day- 
light of modern history. It was 
an age of town records, of regis- 
tered deeds, of contemporary 
memoirs, of diplomatic corre- 
spondence, of official reports and 
private letters. It was not a time 
in which mythical personages or 
incredible legends could flourish, 
and such things we do not find 
in the history of New England. 
The wholesale migration from 
the smiling fields of merry Eng- 
land to an unexplored wilderness 
beyond a thousand leagues of sea 
was of itself a most romantic 
and thrilling event, and when 
viewed in the light of its historic 
results it becomes clothed with, 
sublimity." — The Beginnings of 
Nezv England, tqhn Fiske. 






®lt? ilt&Meaex (Eomtig Sjtsinrtral gwrietg 
^emtary's Import 



Mr. President and Members of the Society: In accord- 
ance with our By-Laws, I have the honor to submit 
herewith the Secretary's sixth annual report. 

MEETINGS. 

During the year now ended meetings have been held 
on the third Tuesday of each month with the excep- 
tion of July, August and September. At three of the 
meetings the whole of the time in each case was de- 
voted to the consideration of important matters of bus- 
iness and no public meeting was held. In two other 
instances, namely, February and March, public meet- 
ings had been arranged for as usual, but, on account 
of unfavorable weather conditions, it was considered 
advisable to postpone them. The record for the year, 
therefore, consists of eleven meetings in all, namely, 
the annual meeting, two special meetings, five busi- 
ness meetings for members only, and three meetings 
at which the members and public were invited to listen 
to an historical paper or address. The particulars of 
dates, speakers and subjects are given in detail as fol- 
lows: 



May 


15- 


June 


19- 


June 


28. 


Oct. 


16. 


Nov. 


20. 



1906 
April 17. Annual Meeting. Address by the President. 
Paper on "Yale College in Saybrook " by 
Dr. Samuel Hart, Bishop Williams Profes- 
sor of Doctrinal Theology, and of the 
Prayer Book, and Acting Librarian of the 
Berkeley Divinity School. Secretary's 
annual report. Treasurer's annual report. 
Election of officers. 
May 1. Special meeting to consider offer of a per- 
manent home for the Society. 

Business meeting for members only. 

Business meeting for members only. 

Special meeting. 

Business meeting for members only. 

Mr. Henry Barrett Learned, M. A., of New 
Haven, Conn. "The Career of Gideon 
Welles, 1802-187S." 
Dec. 18. Professor William Edward Mead, Ph. D., 
Waite Professor of the English Language 
in Wesleyan University. " The Origin of 
Place Names in Connecticut." 

1907 

Jan. 15. Professor George Matthew Dutcher, Ph. D., 
Hedding Professor of History in Wesleyan 
University. "The American Historical 
Association and its Work." 

Feb. 19. Business meeting only. 

Mar. 19. Business meeting only. 

The papers have covered a fertile field in their range 
of subjects, and in their comprehensive review of the 
actors and incidents of our early history have brought 
to our attention many timely facts of great value and 
interest. The Society is deeply indebted to the gentle- 
men who have rendered so valuable assistance, and 
it records with pleasure this expression of its hearty 
gratitude to them for their kindly service. 



ATTENDANCE. 

The same favorable account can be given that ap- 
peared in our last report. The attendance at the bus- 
iness sessions has maintained a fair average. The 
members who from the beginning have supported the 
Society by their interest and presence have attended 
the meetings regularly and in fairly good numbers. 
In the case of the public meetings it is a pleasure to 
make a report of the same hopeful sort, the attend- 
ance having averaged from twenty-five to forty. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

Our membership roll shows a substantial increase as 
compared with last year's report. We have gained 
thirteen active members, or seven more than the rec- 
ord for the previous year, and have added six names 
to the list of life members. We have lost one mem- 
ber by death and have had two resignations. At the 
time of our last annual meeting the membership con- 
sisted of one hundred active and five life members, 
making a total of one hundred and five. At present we 
have a list of one hundred and eight active and eleven 
life members, or a total of one hundred and nineteen 
— the largest number in our history. 

PRINCIPAL EVENTS. 

As a part of the year's history the following events 
are referred to as being specially worthy of record: 

Presentation to the Society of the Hubbard home- 
stead by Mrs. Elijah K. Hubbard. 

Transferring the Society's furniture and archives 
from its leased quarters in the Masonic Building and 
the War Relic Museum from its temporary quarters in 
Russell Library to a permanent home in the Society's 
building. 



Arranging and furnishing the new premises in a 
manner suitable for the Society's purposes. 

Leasing a portion of the building to Wadsworth 
Chapter, D. A. R. Colonial Tea given by the mem- 
bers of Wadsworth Chapter, D. A. R., on the after- 
noon and evening of April 4, 1907. 

PUBLICATIONS. 

The list of publications so far issued by the Society 
consists of four pamphlets, as follows : 

Pamphlet ■ No,. 1. The Society's Charter and By-Laws. 

2. President's Address as delivered at the an- 

nual meeting of April 19, 1904. 

3. President's Address and Reports of the 

Secretary and Treasurer as presented at 
the annual meeting of April 18, 1905. 

4. President's Address and Reports of the 

Secretary and Treasurer as presented at 
annual meeting of April 17, 1906. 

THE SOCIETY'S BUILDING. 

In this connection attention is called to the notable 
change which occurred during the year. In April, 
1906, Mrs. Elijah K. Hubbard, in a letter to our 
President, generously offered to present her former 
home on the corner of Main and Crescent Streets to 
the Society for its sole use. The only condition im- 
posed was that in case the Society should be disbanded 
the property should revert to Mrs. Hubbard's heirs. 
On May 1st a special meeting was held to consider the 
matter. The meeting was largely attended and, after 
a full discussion, the members, by a rising vote, ac- 
cepted Mrs. Hubbard's offer and appointed a commit- 
tee to advise her of their action. The formal transfer 
of the premises was promptly made and the Society 



now holds the title to this valuable piece of property, 
and is in comfortable possession of what had so long 
been desired — a permanent home in a central location. 
As a token of appreciation, Mrs. Hubbard was made 
an honorary life member at the meeting in June. 

During the summer the House Committee were en- 
gaged in making certain changes in connection with 
the heating and plumbing arrangements in order to 
adapt them to the new conditions. The books, furni- 
ture and archives were then transferred from the 
Masonic Building and arranged with care in the sev- 
eral rooms. The work of fitting up and furnishing the 
rooms on the first floor was finished in time for the 
opening meeting in October. Since then additional 
work has been done in the hall and rooms on the upper 
floor, and the plan throughout has been to provide the 
usual features of a public institution, and, at the same 
time, preserve the agreeable appearance of a comfort- 
able and well furnished private home. All of the ar- 
ticles which have formed the interesting and valuable 
collection known as the War Relic Museum, and 
which have hitherto been stored in the Russell Library, 
have been moved into the house and are now on ex- 
hibition in two of the upper rooms. 

Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Pratt occupy the ell part of the 
house and by arrangement with the House Committee 
have general charge of the property. Mrs. Hubbard 
very kindly provided a sufficient supply of coal for the 
winter and has also offered to repaint the building this 
spring. 

It is an event of great importance for the welfare of 
the Society, and a cause for sincere gratitude on the 
part of the members that through Mrs. Hubbard's 



generosity and interest in the success of our organiza- 
tion, we have at last the satisfaction of owning a home 
that is spacious, in excellent condition, and well 
adapted to our requirements. It places the Society in 
an independent position and secures for us the enjoy- 
ment of holding our meetings in rooms where the ap- 
pointments are congenial and appropriate and which 
afford ample opportunity for the proper and abundant 
development of our organized purpose — namely, the 
preservation and display of valuable historical articles. 
Every effort will be used to make the rooms still more 
inviting, to maintain the house and grounds in good 
order, and to attract to the institution for safe keeping 
valuable historical relics from all parts of the county. 

On account of the central location and general suit- 
ability of the rooms it is quite evident that they will 
prove to be a convenient and desirable place in which 
to hold meetings of various local societies which have 
no headquarters of their own. For instance, it may 
be pointed out that we have already entered into an 
agreement by which, under the terms of an annual 
lease, the members of Wadsworth Chapter, D. A. R., 
have the exclusive use of a part of the premises. The 
Middletown Old Burying Ground Association and 
Middletown Improvement Association have also held 
meetings here during the year. 

GENERAL. 
Now that the Society has its own commodious and 
permanent home it may be reasonably expected that 
it will become the acknowledged center and depository 
for important historical material relating to Middle- 
town and Middlesex County. 



There is undoubtedly a wide variety of old time 
articles of furniture, as well as interesting books and 
documents, which are still held in private homes and 
which will increase in value as mementos of the past. 
The Society, therefore, calls attention to the fact that 
its equipment is now practically complete and that it 
will gladly receive and care for historical articles that 
may be contributed either as gifts or loans. It is 
hoped that there may be a ready response to this sug- 
gestion and that much choice material which might 
otherwise become scattered or lost, may be carefully 
preserved and classified. 

Such a course, if followed, will greatly contribute 
to our present entertainment and instruction, and, 
what is of far greater importance, will assist in plac- 
ing within easy access of all an illustrated and elo- 
quent history of our venerable past. 

H. C. Whittlesey, Secretary. 



10 



t&tmmwns Steport. 



FOR YEAR ENDING APRIL 16, 1907. 



H. C. Whittlesey, Acting Treasurer, in account with 

The Middlesex County Historical Society: 

RECEIPTS. 

Balance at time of last report, - $323 33 

Received fees for five life memberships, - - - 125 00 

Received entrance fees from new members, - - 51 00 

Received annual dues from members, - 234 00 

Received for interest on bonds, 160 00 

Received for interest on current account, - - - 29 88 

#923 21 

DISBURSEMENTS. 

Paid Voucher No. 60, Rent, $ 100 00 

Paid Voucher No. 61, Printing, - - - - - 22 25 

Paid Voucher No. 62, Receipt Book, ... - 40 

Paid Voucher No. 63, Gas, ------ 28 

Paid Voucher No. 64, Postage and Printing, - - 21 06 

Paid Voucher No. 65, Services of Librarian, - - n 34 

Paid Voucher No. 66, Cartage, - 8 75 

Paid Voucher No. 67, Furniture, - - - - - 26 50 

Paid Voucher No. 68, Stationery, .... 7 85 

Paid Voucher No. 69, Tools, ------ 195 

Paid Voucher No. 70, Locks, Lawn Mower, etc., - 15 00 

Paid Voucher No. 71, Brooms, - 1 00 

Paid Voucher No. 72, Painting, - - - - - 10 30 

Paid Voucher No. 73, Services of Librarian, - - 2 50 

Paid Voucher No. 74, Taking up Carpet, ... 5 25 

Paid Voucher No. 75, Heating, Plumbing, etc., - - 187 89 

Paid Voucher No. 76, Gas, ------ 98 

Paid Voucher No. 77, Books, Printing, etc., - - 13 50 

Paid Voucher No. 78, Carpenters' work, - - - 23 91 

Paid Voucher No. 79, Cartage, ----- 8 75 

Paid Voucher No. 80, Water Rates, - 1 67 



Paid Voucher No. Si, Stationery, - 

Paid Voucher No. 82, Gas, 

Paid Voucher No. 83, Moving War Relic Museum, etc., 

Paid Voucher No. 84, Services of Librarian, 

Paid Voucher No. 85, Ash Can, - 

Paid Voucher No. 86, Step Ladder, etc., - 

Paid Voucher No. 87, Gas Fixtures, Globes, etc., 

Paid Voucher No. 88, Fire Insurance, - - - - 

Paid Voucher No. S9, Lamp, 

Paid Voucher No. 90, Relaying Carpet, Papering, etc., 
Paid Voucher No. 91, Painting, .... - 
Paid Voucher No. 92, Repairing Clock, ... 
Paid Voucher No. 93, House Supplies, ... - 
Paid Voucher No. 94, Repairs, etc., ... - 
Paid Voucher No. 95, Masons' work, ... - 
Paid Voucher No. 96, Books, ----- 

Paid Voucher No. 97, Gas, 

Paid Voucher No. 98, Fire Extinguishers, - - - 
Paid Voucher No. 99, Rug, Furnishings, etc., 
Paid Voucher No. 100, Painting, ----- 
Paid Voucher No. 101, Labor wiring bells, - 
Paid Voucher No. 102, Plumbing, ... - 
Balance, 



INVESTMENTS. 

2 Bonds Buffalo & Susquehanna R. R. 4s, - - - $2,000 00 
2 Bonds St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern 4s, - 2,000 00 

Freestone Savings Bank, 537 64 

Middletown Savings Bank, ------ 1,020 20 

Farmers & Mechanics Savings Bank, - 537 64 

$6,095 48 

H. C. Whittlesey, Acting Treasurer. 



$0 


65 


I 


56 


7 


95 


1 


75 


2 


75 


3 


80 


15 


38 


26 


00 


1 


75 


54 


22 


3 


17 


1 


50 


5 


40 


34 


79 


2 


00 


4 


00 


1 


82 


21 


67 


30 


27 


8 


62 


4 


56 


3° 


54 


187 


93 



I hereby certify that I have examined the books, vouchers 
and securities in the hands of the Acting Treasurer and com- 
pared them with the foregoing statement and find same to be 
correct. 

Wallace K. Bacon, Auditor. 

Middletown, Conn., April 13, 1907. 



12 



ICtfr-ilptttteH. 



Hon. Albert R. Crittenden, 
Mrs. Albert R. Crittenden, 
Rev. Azel W. Hazen, D. D., 
Mrs. Azel W. Hazen, 
Mrs. Elijah K. Hubbard, - 
Mrs. Walter B. Hubbard, 
Heman C. 'Whittlesey, B. a., 
Mrs. Heman C. Whittlesey, 
Mrs. William W. Wilcox, 
Mrs. William W. Wilcox, Jr. 
William W. Wilcox, B. A., 



Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 



ffltmbns. 



Charles P. Abbey, ---... Gildersleeve 

Abel C. Allison, ------ Middletown 

Joseph W. Alsop, --..._ Simsbury 

Edwin P. Augur, , Middletown 

Samuel Babcock, ...... Middletown 

Clarence E. Bacon, M. A., .... Middletown 

Wallace K. Bacon, ---.._ Middletown 

Francis A. Beach, Middletown 

Abner A. Bevin, ------ East Hampton 

Mrs. Jane D. Boardman, - Middletown 

Judson B. Brainerd, - Portland 

William B. Brewer, - Middletown 

Robert Broatch, ...... Middletown 

James H. Bunce, ...... Middletown 

Mrs. James H. Bunce, - . - - - - Middletown 

James H. Bunce, Jr., - - - - - - Middletown 



13 

Robert W. Burke, - Middletown 

Eugene H. Burr, ...... Middletown 

Wilbur F. Burrows, ------ Middletown 

William H. Burrows, - Middletown 

Dale D. Butler, ------ Middletown 

J. Francis Calef, M. D., Middletown 

Miss Jennie M. Clarke, ----- Middletown 

W. Harry ClEmons, M. A., - - - Princeton, N. J. 

Edward S. Coe, ------- Cromwell 

Ex-Governor O. Vincent Coffin, - - - Middletown 

Mrs. O. Vincent Coffin, ----- Middletown 

George A. Craig, Middletown 

Charles W. Cramer, - Portland 

William J. de Mauriac, Middletown 

Mrs. W t illiam J. de Mauriac, - Middletown 

Richard L. de Zeng, Middletown 

Thomas M. Durfee, Middletown 

Professor George M. DuTcher, Ph. D., - Middletown 

Hon. William T. Elmer, Middletown 

Richard C. Fagan, ------ Middletown 

John L. Fisk, ------- Middletown 

Henry H. Francis, - Middletown 

Frederick E. Gibbons, ----- Middletown 

Ferdinand Gildersleevf, - Portland 

Oliver GiLDERSLEEVE, ----- Portland 

Miss Emma C. Gilman, ----- Middletown 

Archibald C. Goodrich, Portland 

Frederick W. Goodrich, Portland 

Robert S. Griswold, ------ Cromwell 

James K. Guy, Middletown 

Hon. Frank D. Haines, ----- Middletown 

Asaph H. Hale, Portland 

Stephen S. Hall, ------ Portland 

Frank K. Hallock, M. D., - - - - Cromwell 

Professor Samuel Hart, D. D., D. C. L., - Middletown 

Lucius R. Hazen, B. A., Middletown 

Miner C. Hazen, M. D., - - - - - Haddam 

E. Dyer Hubbard, - Middletown 



Hon. Elijah K. Hubbard, - Middletown 

E. Kent Hubbard, Jr., B. A., - - - - Middletown 

Hon. Josiah M. Hubbard, .... Middletown 

Walter B. Hubbard, - Middletown 

George H. Humbert, - Bristol 

Charles E. Jackson, - Middletown 

Edward O. Jackson, Middletown 

William J. James, M. A., - - - - - Middletown 

Alva H. Kelsey, ------ Middletown 

C. Bingham Leach, ------ Middletown 

Miss Mary E. Lyman, - Middleneld 

Charles E. Lyman, ------ Middlefield 

Henry L. Mansfield, ----- Middletown 

ERNEST A. Markham, M. D., - - - - Durham 

Revilo C. Markham, Middletown 

Mrs. ELLEN MaThewson, ----- Durham 

Arthur D. Medlicott, - Middletown 

G. Ellsworth Meech, ----- Middletown 

Joseph Merriam, Middletown 

Hon. Lyman A. Mills, ----- Middleneld 

William Mylchreest, Middletown 

Isaac G. NEWELL, Middletown 

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Northrop, - Ivoryton 

Richard H. Pascall, - Portland 

Charles A. PELTON, Middletown 

William D. Penfield, .- - - - - Portland 

Wallace Porter, ------ Higganum 

Albert E. Purple, Moodus 

Mrs. Susan C. Ray, ------ Middletown 

PrES. Bradford P. Raymond, D. D., LL. D., - Middletown 

Mrs. Abbie A. Reynolds, ----- Middletown 

Professor William N. Rice, Ph. D., LL. D., - Middletown 

Miss Mary P. Roberts, ----- Middletown 

Hon. Samuel Russell, ----- Middletown 

Samuel Russell, Jr., ----- Middletown 

John H. Sage, - - - . - - - - Portland 

Philip Sage, Portland 



Theodore A. Sage, Middletown 

Miss Emily A. Selden, - Middletown 

Frank C. vSmith, Middletown 

Frank F. Starr, -.-... Middletown 

Charles O. Stone, Middletown 

Willis E. Terrill, Middletown 

Mrs. Anna S. Titcomb, .... Springfield, Mass. 

Miss Mariana Townsend, .... Middletown 

Professor John M. Van Vleck, LL. D.,- - Middletown 

Clarence S. Wadsworth, - Middletown 

Henry C. Ward, ...... Middletown 

Oliver S. Watrous, D. D. S.. - - - - Middletown 

Frank B. Weeks, Middletown 

Mrs. Frank B. Weeks, - Middletown 

William S. Wetherbee, Middletown 

Professor Caleb T. Winchester, h. H. D., - Middletown 

Henry Woodward, Middletown 



16 



Elcrtrb April IB. 1307. 



PRESI DENT. 

AzEL W. Hazen, D. D., Middletown 

VICE-PRESIDENTS. 

Albert R. Crittenden, ----- Middletown 

John H. Sage, - - Portland 

SECRETARY. 

H. C. Whittlesey, ------ Middletown 

TREASURER. 

George A. Craig, - Middletown 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 

The President, The Secretary, 

The Vice-Presidents, The Treasurer, 

Walter B. Hubbard, - Middletown 

Frank F. Starr, , Middletown 

George M. DuTcher, - Middletown 

MEMBERSHIP COM M ITTEE. 

Frank B. Weeks, - Middletown 

Clarence S. WadsworTh, - Middletown 

Charles A. Pelton, - Middletown 

Wallace K. Bacon, Middletown 

Ernest A. Markham, - Durham 



PRESS OF PELTON £ KING 
MIDDLETOWN, CONN. 



Stye MxbhitBtK (Hflitntg 
♦ ♦ liistatral Batxttyi ♦ ♦ 

^amplfbt No. H iUag. 190B 



^> 



Address of the President, the Rev. 
Azel W. Hazen, D. D., Report of 
the Secretary, Mr. Heman C. 
Whittlesey, B. A., and Report 
of the Treasurer, Mr. George A. 
Craig, as presented at the Annual 
Meeting held in the Society's 
Building, Middletown, Connec- 
ticut, April Twenty-first, Nine- 
teen Hundred and Eight; also a 
List of the Officers and Members 



©bjerta Desired 
fnr Itjf g»0riptg'B Arrljitifa. 



Pamphlets, handbills, letters, diaries, deeds, 
wills, records of religious societies, business 
houses, etc. 

Old newspapers (bound or unbound), reports 
of anniversaries of towns, and churches, 
books, articles of household use, uniforms, 
costumes, etc. 

Portraits, badges, medals, flags, guns, swords, 
Indian and war relics, historic china or plate, 
furniture and other memorials representing 
local or national history. 



PELTON 4 KING PRINT. 



1 

5 0'08 






We come to our annual meeting under a shadow. 
The loss we have sustained since we last gathered here 
is a heavy one, and we cannot resist a deep feeling of 
sadness. Indeed, who could be taken from our number 
creating a greater vacancy than has been caused by the 
sudden departure of Walter Bulkley Hubbard? It is 
fitting that we pay our sincere homage to his memory, 
in view of what he was in himself, as well as in view 
of his eminent services to this Society. But before 
speaking further of Mr. Hubbard, let me refer to three 
other members whom death has claimed during the 
last year. 

Mr. Henry Woodward, who died June n, 1907, was 
one of the charter members of this organization, and 
was one of its generous patrons. Born in this city, 
and spending his entire life of nearly threescore and 
ten years here, he was thoroughly versed in the history 
of the town, having an intelligent interest in all matters 
pertaining to its past and its present. Though he was 
seldom at the meetings of this Society, he was a willing 
contributor to its funds, and placed man}' documents 
of genuine value in its archives. He always expressed 
sincere pleasure at any good fortune which befell the 
Society, and he felt that it was an institution which 
merited the support of the community. After his 



lamented death, more than two hundred volumes from 
his large collection of books were presented to our 
library by one of the principal heirs to his estate. 
The Connecticut Hospital for the Insane, the Middle- 
sex Hospital, alike with other institutions among us, 
will sorely miss his counsels and his aid. 

Hon. William T. Elmer, who died November 2, at 
the ripe age of seventy-five years, had never been very 
closely identified with this Society, except as an annual 
member. Yet Judge Elmer was a citizen whose name 
conferred honor upon our organization, as well as upon 
the town and the commonwealth. 

The same is true of Mr. Arthur D. Medlicott, who 
passed away on the seventh of this month, being only 
sixty-five years of age. Mr. Medlicott was a man of 
quiet tastes, and fond of intellectual pursuits. He was 
remarkably intelligent along other lines than those in 
which his business led him. He was an occasional 
attendant upon our meetings, and was keenly inter- 
ested in matters of history. He rejoiced in the pros- 
perity which has attended our Society in its brief 
existence. 

Returning now to Mr. Hubbard, he was so influ- 
ential a member of our organization, and so indefat- 
igable in his labors for it, that his removal from us 
demands more than a passing notice. 

A lineal descendant from one of the founders of 
Middletown, a resident of this city during all the fifty- 
three years of his life, he loved the place, and knew 
much of its history. He welcomed the project of 
forming a Historical Society here, and was helpful in 
the earliest days of the movement which gave to our 
County this honorable institution. For years he was 



the head of its Membership Committee, and was in- 
strumental in adding not a few names to our roll. 
After this edifice came into our possession, he was the 
most natural person to be the leader of its House 
Committee. He entered upon the task of preparing 
this building for our occupancy with all his cultivated 
taste, his sound judgment, and his unsparing enthu- 
siasm. Much of the present attractiveness of our 
rooms, and of the expansion of the Society is due to 
the wisdom, the sentiment, and the labor of Mr. 
Hubbard, while it is known to his friends that he 
was revolving other plans in his fertile brain which 
might contribute to our advancement, and to the 
welfare of our entire constituency. In short, Walter 
Bulkley Hubbard, by reason of his unblemished char- 
acter, his business sagacity, his refined sensibilities, 
his tireless industry, and his loyalty to the town in 
which he lived, alike with his constant devotion to 
the things- which elevate our humanity, was a citizen 
whom Middletown will long remember with sincere 
gratitude. The Middlesex County Historical Society 
surely cannot soon forget his unflagging zeal in its 
behalf, and it is most appropriate that we place on 
record our sense of obligation to him. A resolution 
has been prepared to be adopted by us and inscribed 
in our minutes. 

The very complete report of our Secretary shows 
substantial progress in many directions. Indeed, it is 
evident that our Society is steadily gaining a firmer 
hold on the confidence and the regard of the County. 
We hope hereafter to publish annually a list of our 
accessions, that our treasures may be more widely 
known. It is our plan also, as soon as our means will 



allow, to have our attractive rooms open to the public 
for a certain time each week. We are here to serve 
the community as best we may, while we receive and 
guard and transmit to the future not a few priceless 
possessions. Bvery new member will aid us in realiz- 
ing our aims, and a larger endowment would enable 
us to adopt a broader policy, thereby rendering an 
ampler service to the community. We are now in a 
situation to invite legacies, as well as present gifts, to 
our treasury, all which will be wisely administered. 



Brrrrtarg's Import 



To the President and Members of the Society: 

In accordance with our By-L,aws, I beg to submit 
the Secretary's seventh annual report. 

MEETINGS 
During the year now ended meetings have been held 
on the third Tuesday of each month with the excep- 
tion of July, August, and September. The record for 
the year therefore consists of nine meetings in all and 
the dates of the meetings with the names of the speak- 
ers, and list of subjects are given in detail as follows: 

1907 

April 16. Annual Meeting. Presentation of annual reports 
and election of officers. Paper on "Two Cen- 
turies and a Half of Farm Life in Middletown," 
by Mr. Josiah Meigs Hubbard. 

May 21. Theodore S. Woolsey, LL. B., Professor of Inter- 
national Law in Yale University. Paper on 
" The Hudson Bay Company." 

June 18. Professor Henry M. Whitney of the Blackstone 
Memorial Library of Branford, Conn. Illus- 
trated Lecture on " The Development of Public 
Libraries within the Bounds of the Old New 
Haven Colony." 

Oct. 15. Mr. Ernest A. Inglis, of Wesleyan University. 
Essay on " Connecticut: 1789-1S09." 

Nov. 19. Chief Justice Simeon E. Baldwin, LL. D., of 
New Haven, Conn. Paper on " Connecticut in 
Pennsylvania." 



Dec. 17. Professor Caleb Thomas Winchester, L. H. D., 
of Wesleyan University. Paper on "John 
Greenleaf Whittier." 

1908 

Jan. 21. Professor Samuel Hart, D. D., D. C. L., of the 
Berkeley Divinity School. Paper on "The 
History of the Common Schools of Connecti- 
cut." 

Feb. 18. Rev. Bert F. Case, of Middle Haddam, Conn. 
Paper on "The Rev. Eleazer May, Pastor in 
Haddam from 1756 to 1S03." 

Mar. 17. George Matthew Dutcher, Ph. D., Hedding Pro- 
fessor of History in Wesleyan University. 
Address on ' ' The Enlightened Despotism — a 
study of Europe in the Days of the War for 
American Independence." 

The Society has much pleasure in placing upon 
record this acknowledgment of its thanks and appre- 
ciation to the gentlemen who have so kindly given 
both the members of the Society and the public the 
opportunity of listening to such instructive papers 
and addresses. The attendance at the business ses- 
sions and public meetings has maintained a fair aver- 
age and indicates .a sustained interest in the affairs of 
the Society. 

MEMBERSHIP 

The roll of membership shows only a slight change. 
We have gained six active members and have added 
one name to the list of life members. At the time of 
our last annual meeting the membership consisted of 
one hundred and eight active and eleven life members. 
During the year we have lost four valued members by 
death and four have dropped out. At present we have 



a list of one hundred and six active and twelve life 
members — a total of one hundred and eighteen, in- 
cluding six non-resident members. 

PUBLICATIONS 

The list of publications so far issued by the Society 
consists of five pamphlets as follows: 

Pamphlet No. i. The Society's Charter and By-Laws. 

2. President's Address as delivered at the an- 

nual meeting of April 19, 1904. 

3. President's Address and Reports of the Sec- 

retary and Treasurer as presented at the 
annual meeting of April 18, 1905. 

4. President's Address and Reports of the Sec- 

retary and Treasurer as presented at the 
annual meeting of April 17, 1906. 

5. Reports of the Secretary and Acting Treas- 

urer as presented at the annual meeting 
of April 16, 1907, with list of officers and 
members. 



GENERAL 
During the year the Society's building and the fence 
on Union and Crescent Streets have been painted. The 
work was done without expense to the Society through 
the kindness and generosity of Mrs. E. K. Hubbard. 
The grounds have been kept in excellent order and 
the premises maintained in good condition throughout. 
With reference to the interior special attention has been 
paid to the proper arrangement of the books and his- 
torical relics which the Society has acquired. The 
desire and intention of the House Committee is to fit 
up one or more rooms in a manner which shall repre- 
sent as nearly as possible the usage of colonial days, 



10 

and which shall form an attractive exhibit of the fur- 
niture and fittings of that period. The result so far is 
only a beginning in this direction and further success 
is dependent upon the acquisition of more material, 
particularly furniture. 

It is a pleasure to report that the record for the year 
shows that the Society has been well remembered by 
its friends and members. We have received a variety 
of articles of historical interest together with a number 
of choice old books, documents, prints, portraits, etc. 
They are a welcome addition to our collection and we 
beg to express our hearty thanks for the gifts. In 
this connection attention is again called to the fact that 
more articles of furniture of an early date are especially 
desired. 

The Society is deeply conscious of the great loss it 
has suffered in the death on April 3, of Mr. Walter B. 
Hubbard. From the time the Society was organized 
Mr. Hubbard took a most active interest in its affairs 
and rendered invaluable service. He was in hearty 
sympathy with the purpose for which the Society was 
established, and was untiring in his efforts to promote 
its success. His wise judgment and practical help in 
administration will be sadly missed. We cannot ade- 
quately express how much his service has been worth 
to the Society which appealed to him so strongly and 
which he so greatly assisted. 

H. C. Whittlesey, 

Secretary. 



11 



Minute relative to the death of Mr. Walter B. Hiibbard 
as adopted by the Society, April 21, igo8, by a ris- 
ing vote. 

In the death of Mr. Walter B. Hubbard, the Mid- 
dlesex County Historical Society has lost one of its 
most active and faithful supporters. During the 
gradual development of the Society from a small be- 
ginning to its present established position, Mr. Hub- 
bard continued steadfast in his devotion to its welfare, 
and freely gave his time and personal service in its 
behalf. In his capacity as chairman of important 
committees he was a loyal and influential friend of the 
institution, and a wise counsellor in the practical ad- 
ministration of its affairs. 

The justness of his nature, as it appeared in his 
association with us, together with his high character 
and wholesome influence, endeared him to us all. We 
shall hold his name in tender remembrance and our 
memory will bear record, better than words can do, to 
the manifest sincerity of his nature and to the high 
standard of honor in life and earnestness in work 
which he so fully exemplified. 



(SxmBnttt'B Annual Sfennrt 



APRIL. 1908. 



George A. Craig, Treasurer, in account with 

The Middlesex County Historical Society: 

Dr. 
To balance received from H. C. Whittlesey, Acting 

Treasurer, $187 93 

To dues collected (including one Life Membership), 233 00 
To rent from Wadsworth Chapter D. A. R. {i 1 / 

years), 125 00 

To coupons, St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern 

Railway Co. Bonds, - 80 00 

To coupons, Buffalo & Susquehanna Ry. Co. Bonds, 80 00 
To cash received from Mrs. E. K. Hubbard, to paint 

building, - - 325 00 

To cash received from members for keys to building, 1 80 

$1,032 73 
Cr. 

By coal, .......... $99 19 

By water, ----....- 10 00 

By gas, 6 88 

By lantern, carriages and fares, 14 00 

By painting building, 275 00 

By painting fence, ------- 38 00 

By painting inside, 29 12 

By printing (including 250 Reports), - 39 05 

By binding books, carriage, etc., ... - 5 10 

By clerical work, - -- 17 12 

By postage and stationery, 14 21 

By door-mats, flag-pole, shades and brooms, - - 21 00 

By hardware and sundries of like character, - - 3 63 



13 

By Hale & Kelsey, repairs, $46 18 

By R. W. Burke, repairs, 57 21 

By balance carried forward, 357 04 

11,032 73 

INVESTMENTS. 

2 Bonds Buffalo & Susquehanna R. R., - - - $2,000 00 

2 Bonds St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern R. R., 2,000 00 

Cash in Farmers & Mechanics Savings Bank, - - 559 34 

Cash in Freestone Savings Bank, .... 559 34 

Cash in Middletown Savings Bank, ... - 1,061 40 

Cash in First National Bank, 357 04 

$6,537 12 
George A. Craig, Treasurer. 



I certify that I have examined the books and vouchers of the 
Treasurer for the year ending April 21, 1908, and find them to 
agree with the foregoing statement. I have also examined 
and counted the securities in the hands of said Treasurer and 
find the same to consist of bonds, etc., as above. 

Wm. J. DE Mauriac, Auditor. 

Middletown, Conn., April 20, 1908. 



u 



Wtrera 



ELECTED APRIL 21, I90£ 



-•♦«- 



PRESI DENT. 

AzEL W. Hazen, D. D., Middletown 

VICE- PRESI DENTS. 

Albert R. Crittenden, - Middletown 

John H. Sage, - Portland 

SECRETARY. 

Heman C. Whittlesey, Middletown 

TREASURER. 

George A. Craig, Middletown 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 

The President, ' The Secretary, 

The Vice-Presidents, The Treasurer, 

Samuel Hart, D. D., ... - - Middletown 

Frank F. Starr, Middletown 

GEORGE M. DuTcher, Middletown 

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE. 

Charles A. PeeTon, Middletown 

Clarence S. WadsworTh, .... Middletown 

Wallace K. Bacon, ------ Middletown 

G. Ellsworth Meech, - - - - Middletown 

Frank K. Hallock, Cromwell 



15 

FINANCE COMMITTEE. 

William H. Burrows, - Middletown 

Wallace K. Bacon, Middletown 

John H. Sage, ------- Portland 



HOUSE COMMITTEE. 

Frank B. Weeks, Middletown 

Wilbur F. Burrows, Middletown 

Heman C. Whittlesey, Middletown 

Mrs. Walter B. Hubbard, - Middletown 

Miss Mariana Townsend, - Middletown 

AU DITOR. 

William J. de Mauriac, Middletown 



16 



IGtfe-fHnttberH 



Hon. Albert R. Crittenden, - 
Mrs. Albert R. Crittenden, - 
Rev. Azee W. Hazen, D. D., 
Mrs. Azee W. Hazen, 
Mrs. Eeijah K. Hubbard, 
Mrs. Waeter B. Hubbard, 
Wieeiam G. Mather, 
Heman C. Whittlesey, B. A., - 
Mrs. Heman C. Whitteesey, - 
Mrs. Wieeiam W. Wiecox, 
Mrs. Wieeiam W. Wiecox, Jr., 
Wieeiam W. Wiecox, B. A., 



Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Cleveland, O. 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 



iHcmbrrs 



ABEE C. AeeiSON, '- ... . - . Middletown 

Joseph W. Aesop, ...--. Simsbury 

Edwin P. Augur, Middletown 

Samuee Babcock, Middletown 

Cearence E. Bacon, M. A., - - - - Middletown 

Waeeace K. Bacon, ------ Middletown 

Abner A. Bevin, East Hampton 

MRS. Jane D. Boarman, Middletown 

Cephas Brainerd, ------ New York 

Judson B. Brainerd, Portland 

Wieeiam B. Brewer, Middletown 

Robert BroaTch, ..'_..- Middletown 



17 

James H. Bunce, Middletown 

Mrs. James H. Bunce, .... - Middletown 

James H. Bunce, Jr., Middletown 

Robert W. Burke, ------ Middletown 

Eugene H. Burr, - Middletown 

Wilbur F. Burrows, Middletown 

William H. Burrows, Middletown 

Dale D. Butler, ------ Middletown 

J. Francis Caeef, M. D., - - - - - Middletown 

Miss Jennie M. Clarke, Middletown 

W. Harry ClEmons, M. A., - - - Princeton, N. J. 

Edward S. Coe, - Cromwell 

Ex-Governor O. Vincent Coffin, - - - Middletown 

Mrs. O. Vincent Coffin, Middletown 

Augustus H. Conkein, - East Hampton 

George A. Craig, ------ Middletown 

Charees W. Cramer, Portland 

Eddie S. Davis, Middletown 

WlEElAM J. DE Mauriac, Middletown 

Mrs. Wieeiam J. de Mauriac, - Middletown 

Richard L. de Zeng, Middletown 

Thomas M. Durfee, Middletown 

Professor George M. Dutcher, Ph. D., - Middletown 

Richard C. Fagan, Middletown 

John L. Fisk, Middletown 

Henry H. Francis, Middletown 

Edward A. Gladwin, - Middletown 

Frederick E. Gibbons, Middletown 

Ferdinand Gildersleeve, - Portland 

Oliver Gildersleeve, - Portland 

Miss Emma C. Gilman, Middletown 

Archibald C. Goodrich, Portland 

Frederick W. Goodrich, Portland 

Robert S. Griswold, Cromwell 

James K. Guy, Middletown 

Hon. Frank D. Haines, Middletown 

Asaph H. Hale, Portland 



18 

David A. Hall, - - Portland 

Stephen S. Hall, - Portland 

Frank K. Hallock, M. D., - - - - Cromwell 

Professor Samuel Hart, D. D., D. C. L., - Middletown 

Lucius R. Hazen, B. A., Middletown 

Miner C. Hazen, M. D., Haddam 

E. Dyer Hubbard, ------ Middletown 

Hon. Elijah K. Hubbard, .... Middletown 

E. Kent Hubbard, Jr., B. A., - - - - Middletown 

Hon. Josiah M. Hubbard, .... Middletown 

George H. Hulbert, Bristol 

Charles E- Jackson, Middletown 

Edward Q. Jackson, Middletown 

William J. James, M. A., - - - - - Middletown 

Alva H. Kelsey, ...... Middletown 

Miss Mary E. Lyman, ..... Middlefield 

Charles E. Lyman, - Middlefield 

Henry L. Mansfield, ..... Middletown 

Ernest A. Markham, M. D., - - - - Durham 

Revilo C. Markham, Middletown 

Mrs. ELLEN MaThewson, - Durham 

G. Ellsworth Meech, .... - Middletown 

Joseph Merriam, - Middletown 

Hon. Lyman A. Mills, Middlefield 

William Mylchreest, Middletown 

Isaac G. Newell, ...... Middletown 

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Northrop, - - - . Ivoryton 

Richard H. Pascall, Portland 

Charles A. Pelton, - Middletown 

William D. Penfield, ..... Portland 

Wallace Porter, ------ Higganum 

Albert E. Purple, ------ Moodus 

Mrs. Susan C. Ray, ------ Middletown 

Pres. Bradford P. Raymond, D. D., LL. D., Middletown 

Professor William N. Rice, Ph. D., LL. D., Middletown 

Miss Mary P. Roberts, Middletown 



19 

Hon. Samuel Russell, Middletown 

Samuel Russell, Jr., Middletown 

John H. Sage, ------- Portland 

Philip Sage, Portland 

Theodore A. Sage, ------ Middletown 

Miss Emily A. Selden, Middletown 

Frank C. Smith, Middletown 

Frank F. Starr, ------ Middletown 

Charles O. Stone, Middletown 

Willis E. Terrill, Middletown 

Mrs. Anna S. TiTcomb, - Springfield, Mass. 

Miss Mariana Townsend, - Middletown 

Professor John M. Van Vleck, LL,. D., - Middletown 

Clarence S. Wadsworth, - Middletown 

Henry C. Ward, ------ Middletown 

Oliver S. WaTrous, D. D. S., - - - - Middletown 

Frank B. Weeks, Middletown 

Mrs. Frank B. Weeks, Middletown 

William S. Wetherbee, Middletown 

Professor Caleb T. Winchester, L,. H. D., - Middletown 

Edward H. Wilkins, Middletown 



The Society has a library of 1529 volumes and 244 
pamphlets, many old newspapers, letters, deeds, and 
other records of historic value. Mansfield Post, G. A. 
R., of Middletown, has presented the Society with its 
large collection of relics of the Civil War. It also has 
in its keeping many articles loaned by the owners, 
notably a collection of curious old wearing apparel and 
fine embroideries, and a number of oil portraits. 



ICtst of ArtirlfB 

©hmrb by the Swtrtg anb ExljibUfb in its iBuUauuj 



1. Photograph of Middletown in 1868. 

2. a, b. Photograph of house built by Commodore Mac- 
donough in 1819, demolished in 1893, and replaced by Y. M. C. 
A. building. 

3. Early oil painting of Middletown by Richard W. Hub- 
bard, a native of Middletown. 

4. Photographs of six historic homes in Middletown, pre- 
pared for the Jamestown Exposition, 1907. 

5. a, b, c. Photograph of old First Church on Main Street, 
Middletown. 

6. Collection of fashion-plates, 1848. 

7. Indian arrowheads, bought in 1907 at Richmond, Va. 

8. Picture of Col. Return Jonathan Meigs, who served in 
the Revolutionary War. 1 740-1823. 

9. Epaulettes of Billings Neff, Lieutenant of the 6th Regi- 
ment Connecticut Militia. 

10. Sword and sash of Billings Neff. 



n. Framed army recruiting poster, Oct. 24, 1861. 

12. Engraving of Lady Washington's Reception, "from the 
original picture in possession of A. T. Stewart, Esq." 

13. Key to No. 12. 

14. Picture of Wolcott Huntington of Norwich, Conn., who 
married Jane H. Watkinson of Middletown, whose home was 
on Main Street. 

15. Warrant for arrest of Caesar, Negro, for "Prophane 
Swearing, threatening and contemptuous language." Feb. 20, 
1787. 

16. Faith, Hope, and Charity at the tomb of Washington. 

17. Pencil sketch of Captain Aldeu Partridge, aged 40, and 
of the American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy, 
Middletown, 1826. 

18. Camp chair made from wood of old elm tree under 
whose branches the first settlers of Middletown commenced 
their Sabbath worship, which was the foundation of the First 
Church. 

19. Photograph of Joseph W. Alsop. 

20. Framed State Democratic ticket, 1839. 

21. Framed circular with sketches of lives of Democratic 
State candidates, 1S39. 

22. Old engraved copper-plate. 

23. Cradle from estate of the late Charles A. Boardman of 
Middletown, 1812-1907. 

24. Engraving, Daniel Webster addressing the Senate, 1850. 

25. Key to No. 24. 

26. Democratic handbill, 1838. 

27. Democratic handbill, 1839. 

28. Old engraving of Capitol at Washington. 

29. Framed Middletown Daily News, November 14, 1850. 

30. Framed Middlesex Gazette, May 13, 1809. 

31. Old engraving, Last days of Webster at Marshfield. 

32. Genealogy of the Washington family. 

33. Framed contract drawn by Washington. 

34. The will of Mary Washington. Framed printed copy. 

35. Lock of Washington's hair, given to Mrs. S. A. Hart of 
Middletown, in 1840, by his servant Hammet Achmet. 

36. Oil portrait of Jonathan Barnes, Esq. 

37. Picture of the Charter Oak. 



38. Confederate button. 

39. Foot-stove, 1780. 

40. Picture of John D. Dickinson. 

41. Photograph of Dr. Charles Woodward of Middletown, 
1799-1870. 

42. Photograph of Charles R. Woodward of Middletown, 
1832-1904. 

43. Photograph of Henry Woodward of Middletown, 1838- 
1907. 

44. Photograph of John Hubbard Watkinson. 

45. Framed manuscript list of contributors to fund for en- 
closing burial ground now Riverside Cemetery, Middletown, 

1815. 

46. Old illustrated design of Life and Ages of Man. 

47. Old picture of Rome. 

48. Parsonage on High Street near head of College Street, 
Middletown, occupied by Enoch Huntington, pastor of First 
Church, 1762-1S09. Painted by Miss Margaret Van Deursen. 

49. Picture of Daniel Webster. 

50. Painting of house of William Russell, pastor of First 
Church, 1715-1761. 

51. Landscape by John A. Sumner of Middletown, died 1899. 

52. Landscape by John A. Sumner. 

53. Poster of Hartford, Providence and Boston Mail Line of 
Post Coaches. 

54. Illuminated parchment and seal. 

55. Old round table. 

56. Portrait of Dr. Joseph Barrett, an English physician, 
Professor of Geology in the Partridge Academy until about 
1828, afterwards practising physician in Middletown. 

57. Photograph of Main Street, Middletown. 

58. Portrait of Isaac Hubbard of Middlefield. 

59. Photograph of Gen. Samuel Holden Parson's house, 
Main Street, Middletown, foot of Church Street, built by Con- 
stant Kirtland 1753, demolished. 

60. Engraving of Nehemiah Hubbard of Middletown, in his 
83rd year. 1 752-1837 

61. Old mantel clock. 

62. Piece of Charter Oak. 

63. Miniature Liberty Bell. 



23 

64. Pipe and case belonging to Dr. Dickinson, Middletown, 
1760. 

65. New England Society button from Portland Exposition, 

1905- 

66. Massachusetts button from Portland Exposition, 1905. 

67. John Winthrop button, from New London celebration, 
1906. 

6S. Powder horn, once owned by Julius Andrews of East 
Haddam, and said to have been used in the Indian Wars and 
the Revolution. 

69. Confederate five-dollar bill. 

70. Ring made from the Charter Oak. 

71. Medal to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 
death of Thomas Robbins, D. D. Presented by the Connecti- 
cut Historical Society. 

72. Medal from the Jamestown exposition, 1907. 

73. Key of front door of old Court House in Middletown, 
demolished 1893. 

74. a, b. Key of Town Clerk's office in old Court House 
in Middletown, demolished 1893. 

75. a, b. Sign of Isaac Webb, Attorney-at-Law, who once 
conducted a school on High Street, in the building now known 
as Webb Hall of Wesleyan University. 

76. Spinning wheel. 

77. Reel for skeining woolen yarn. 

78. Old kettle crane. 

79. Baker shovel, used for drawing bread, etc., from old 
brick oven. 

80. Alsop pistol, made in Middletown, 1862. 

81. Clock weight from Gen. Parson's house. (See No. 59.) 
S2. One-dollar bill of Central National Bank, Middletown, 

Nov. 17, 1851, bearing signatures of Henry D. Smith, Cashier, 
and Charles Woodward, President. 

83. Flint lock fowling piece. 

84. String of antique sleigh bells. 

85. Complete old appliance for making cheese. 

86. Runlet, or wooden drinking bottle. 

87. Three brass buttons formerly worn by the Partridge 
Cadets and recently excavated on the grounds of Wesleyan 
University. 



84 

88. Old embroidered cloth bag. 

89. Medal of The Father Mathew Temperance Society. 

90. Exhibition case of plane irons. 

91. Daguerreotype of the Rev. John R. Crane, pastor of the 
First Church of Middletown, 1818-1853. 

92. Picture of Dr. Wm. Bryan Casey, a former physician of 
Middletown, surgeon of the 20th Conn. Regiment. 

93. Portrait of Gen. Wm. H. Russell, late of New Haven. 

94. 10-skilling piece, Danish-American, 1816. 

95. Tin baker for fire-place. 

96. Old mortar and pestle. 

97. Old brass kettle. 

98. Crane for fire-place. 

99. Illustrated map of Middletown, 1851. 

100. Large hair trunk. 

101. Small hair trunk. 

102. Old fashioned wall candlestick. 

103. Illustrated map of Andersonville Prison. 

104. Foot-stove from old Stowe house, Middlefield. 

105. Iron skillet used by the grandmother of Mrs. Geo. N. 
Ward of Middletown. 

106. Old soup tureen and ladle. 

107. Old china platter. 

108. Covered basket, which belonged to Mrs. Samuel Mather, 
grandmother of Mrs. W. B. Hubbard. 

109. Large old clothes basket. 

1 10. Old band box with picture of New York City Hall on 
cover. 

in. Steelyards. 

112. a, b, c. Three fire buckets stored for years in the loft 
of the Middlesex County National Bank. 

113. a, b. Two fire buckets owned by Captain Henry Lewis 
De Koven of Middletown. 

114. a, b. Two fire buckets from estate of Charles Board- 
man of Middletown. 

115. Fire bucket owned by Mrs. Sarah S. Spencer, who in 
1824 built and occupied the house now 208 Washington Street, 
Middletown. 

116. a, b, c. Fire buckets. . 

117. Small hair trunk. 



25 

n8. Old waffle iron. 

119. Candle mould. 

120. a, b. Fluid lamp. 

121. Engraving of Henry Clay. 

122. Doorplate of Dr. Wm. Bryan Casey (see No. 92). 

123. a, b, c. Whiskey flask. 1850. 

124. Small steelyards, made in Middletown. 

125. Combination knife, fork, and spoon. 

126. Framed copy of Declaration of Independence. 1818. 

127. Picture of Henry Clay Work, poet of the war time. 

128. a, b. Hatchel. 

129. a, b, c, d, e. Reel. 

130. Portrait of Fanny Harrison of North Branford, sister 
of Capt. Harrison of War of 1812. 

131. Portrait. 

132. Photograph of old Court House, Middletown, demol- 
ished 1S93. 

133. Painting by Benjamin P. Elliott, who lived on the 
corner of Court and Pearl Streets, Middletown. 

The following articles are from the collection of Mr. Charles 
H. Neff of Portland: 

134. Reel. 

135. Old cow-bell. 

136. Fire tongs. 

137. Old hand-made shears. 

138. Very old tinder box. 

139. Pot hook, to lift pots or kettles. 

140. Two weaver's shuttles. 

141. Powder horn. 

142. Hank of bleached linen thread. 

143. Skein of white linen yarn. 

144. Two hanks of unbleached spun flax. 

145. Hank of unbleached linen thread. 

146. Rool of sheep's wool. 

147. Old foot-stove. 

148. Piece of wood from the keel of a ship unearthed in 
Front Street, New York, in 1S93. The ship is claimed to 
have been an English Transport, which brought troops and 



26 

ammunition to this country in the French Colonial Wars, and 
which was sunk in New York harbor about 1733. 

149. Swingling knife, used for beating flax. 

150. Rapier, 31-inch blade. 

151. Rapier and sheath. 

152. Flint-lock picked up on the battlefield of Yorktown, 
Va., about 1850. 

153. Pair of worsted hatchels over 100 years old. 

154. Iron crane, owned by great-grandfather of Chas. A. 
Pelton of Middletown. From Aunt Phile Pelton House, Pen- 
field Hill, Portland. 

155. Old barometer and thermometer, once belonging to 
the Overton family, Portland. 

156. Old iron toaster. 

157. Revolving gridiron with receptacle for fat. 

158. String of eight old spools. 

159. Old Dutch axe brought over in early days. Turned out 
with plough. 

160. Small old pair of candle snuffers. 

161. Old clasp knife of odd form. 

162. Brass candlestick. 

163. Old style bullet mould. 

164. Pair of creepers, used for walking on ice. 

165. Iron snuffers and tray. 

166. 31 chipped flints, made for the flint-lock muskets used 
in the old militia companies. 

167. Sword with sheath. A relic of the Spanish-American 
War. 

168. Hatchel for cleaning flax or hemp. 

169. Three cannon balls and shell found in an old house in 
Portland. 



♦ ♦ ijtstortral Smrietij ♦ ♦ 

pampljlrt £fa. 7. iHag. 1900 



<^My<s^ 



Address of the President, the Rev. Azel 
W. Hazen, D. D., Report of the Secretary, 
Mr. Heman C. Whittlesey, B. A., and 
Report of the Treasurer, Mr. George A. 
Craig, as presented at the Annual Meeting 
held in the Society's Building, Middletown, 
Connecticut, April Twentieth, Nineteen 
Hundred and Nine; also a list of the 
Officers and Members and of Articles owned 
by the Society and exhibited in its Building 



\c 






for ti|e g>orteiy'a Arrbjura 



Pamphlets, handbills, letters, diaries, deeds, 
wills, records of religious societies, business 
houses, etc. 

Old newspapers (bound or unbound), reports 
of anniversaries of towns, and churches, 
books, articles of household use, uniforms, 
costumes, etc. 

Portraits, badges, medals, flags, guns, swords, 
Indian and war relics, historic china or plate, 
furniture and other memorials representing 
local or national history. 



PELTON & KING PRINT 



G'ft 
The S 
26My'0P 



ulljp Prpsiitrnl's Aunrrsa 



We meet to-night, as was the case a twelvemonth 
since, oppressed by a sense of irreparable loss to our 
Society. Not only has our most generous friend and 
benefactress been taken from us, but three others of 
our membership have been cut off by the inexorable 
Reaper. Let us pay our tribute of respect to them in 
the order in which their departure took place. 

Mr. Thomas Munday Durfee died May 29, 1908, at 
the age of 73 years. He was a man of impressive 
figure, of genial countenance, and of courteous bear- 
ing. His kindliness of spirit, and his dignified poise 
were evident at a glance. He had gained a wide ex- 
perience of life. As a miner, as a soldier, and as a 
man of business, he had been tested, and not found 
wanting. For nearly twenty years he served the 
Connecticut Hospital for the Insane as its steward and 
commercial agent with loyal fidelity and conspicuous 
ability. His death was sincerely mourned in that 
institution and by all who knew his genuine worth. 

Mr. James Hough Bunce departed this life October 
12, 1908, at the age of 75 years. He was one of the 
charter members of our Society and a liberal contribu- 
tor to its funds. Though not a native of this town, 
the larger part of his active life had been passed here, 
and he was thoroughlv identified with its interests. 



After a few years in the employ of others, Mr. Bunce 
became the proprietor of the business in which he was 
engaged. His training, his skill, his industry, and his 
uprightness soon placed him in the forefront of the 
merchants of this city. His traffic expanded continu- 
ally till his establishment grew to be one of the most 
spacious houses for the sale of dry goods and furniture 
in New England. In short, the sterling character, the 
clever enterprise, and the intelligent public spirit of 
Mr. Bunce were among the most valuable assets of our 
community. 

Mrs. Margaret Sill Hubbard passed from earth 
December 27, 1908, at the age of 62 years. The bare 
mention of her name awakens memories that this 
Society will long cherish. We cannot soon forget 
what we owe to Mrs. Hubbard for her early and un- 
failing sympathy, manifested in words and deeds, in a 
generous donation to our permanent fund, in the gift 
of costly books and other articles, both before and 
since the transfer of her ancestral homestead, with 
much that it contained, to us as an abiding place and 
a depository for our scattered treasures. Unlike the 
two persons whose names have just passed in review, 
Mrs. Hubbard was born in this city, and her threescore 
years were almost wholly spent within its precincts. 
No one can doubt that she loved the place of her 
birth, nor that she contributed not a little to its pros- 
perity and the happiness of its people. 

Abounding in good nature herself, it was her delight 
to minister to the comfort and the joy of others. Her 
hand was always open for the relief of those who 
needed her assistance. While some of her manifold 
charities were known to the public, multitudes of them 



were privately bestowed. Indeed, the name of Mrs. 
Hubbard was the very synonym of friendliness and 
liberality. 

Surely this organization, upon which she conferred 
so numerous and so inestimable tokens of her favor, 
should not longer delay to mark this building whose 
significance is so eminent to us, with an appropriate 
inscription, which shall bear witness to those who 
come after us that we are not unmindful of the noble 
woman to whose munificence we are indebted for so 
commodious and so serviceable a home. 

Mr. Clarence Everett Bacon died March 28, 1909, at 
the age of 52 years, — quite too soon for the good of 
our city. Like Mr. Bunce, Mr. Bacon was a charter 
member of this Society, and he desired its prosperity, 
as he did that of every other worthy Middletown in- 
stitution. A native of this city, his education was 
mainly acquired here in our High School and our 
University. He had musical training in Boston, and 
his excellent voice afforded pleasure to many, both in 
College, in social functions, and in the churches where 
it was heard. As an attorney at law, as a man of af- 
fairs, as a director in the Connecticut Industrial School 
for Girls, and for several years its secretary and treas- 
urer, and as a high-minded citizen, Mr. Bacon gained 
for himself most commendable rank. He belonged to 
that class of residents who give distinction to a com- 
munity, and whom it can ill afford to lose. His manly 
form, his clear-cut and winsome features, his gracious 
demeanor, will be long missed among us. 

While death has thus made severe inroads upon our 
Society, it is cheering to recall the fact that persons 
like the foregoing looked with favor upon our work, 



and lent it their cordial support. At the same time, 
we need the sympathy and the aid of a larger number 
of our intelligent citizens, that we may accomplish the 
most for the town and the county. This is no corpo- 
ration seeking its own advancement alone. It is here 
to serve the interests of the entire district of the 
Commonwealth in which it has its home. To this 
end we should have members in all our towns who 
shall help us in securing funds, as well as historic 
memorials. 

The meeting we held in Say brook last September, we 
trust, bore more fruit than has yet appeared. In any 
event, we should endeavor to keep alive the traditions 
of memorable occurrences and of famous buildings in 
all our territory. To further these ends we should 
hold occasional meetings in other localities than our 
own. Also, we should scatter our reports widely 
throughout our borders, that it ma3 r be known where 
we are, what we are, and what we are trying to do for 
our constituents. We ought to be able, likewise, to 
publish documents of special value which are read to 
us, or which come into our possession in other ways, 
that we may disseminate information which shall profit 
the people, while it will bring to us more of those 
things we desire. 

Further, our library of nearly two thousand volumes, 
supplemented by many rare pamphlets, should be cata- 
logued, and rendered available for the use of any who 
wish to interrogate the past. Few are now aware of 
the rarity and the worth of numerous books which are 
already on our shelves. It has been a cherished hope 
of the officers of the Society to open its rooms at least 
one afternoon of each week, that the public might 



become more conversant with the progress already 
made by us. 

For these and kindred purposes germane to an or- 
ganization like onrs, we need a larger constituency, 
and an ampler income. Our most lavish patron hav- 
ing been removed from us, we shall find it impossible 
to do as creditably as we have done, unless old friends 
or new ones shall make good our financial loss. This 
institution would better die itself, and be decently 
buried, than live an ignoble life, out of keeping with 
that which it has maintained hitherto. 

For myself, I would gladly resign the office with 
which you have honored me during the eight years of 
our existence, a position that has required much time, 
thought, and effort. Yet you persuade me that my 
services are still demanded by the Society, so that I do 
not yet feel at liberty to refuse your kind wishes, but 
will continue for a brief period to add whatever in me 
lies to the success of our meritorious enterprise. 



^rntfanj'0 Annual Henort 

To the President and Members of the Society: 

In accordance with our By-Laws, I beg to submit 
the Secretary's annual report for the year ending on 
April 20, 1909. 

MEETINGS 
During the past year regular meetings have been 
held in the Society's building on the third Tuesday of 
each month, with the exception of June, July, and 
August, and in September a special meeting, as de- 
scribed in the following list, was held at Say brook. 
The record for the year therefore consists of nine meet- 
ings in all, and the dates when they were held, with 
the names of the speakers and list of subjects, are given 
in detail as follows: — 

1908 
April 21. Annual Meeting. Presentation of annual reports 
and election of officers. Paper on "Henry Clay 
Work; His Life and Writings," by Mr. Samuel 
Ward Loper, M. A., Curator of the Museum of 
Wesleyan University. 
May 19. Professor Raymond Garfield Gettell of Trinity Col- 
lege, Hartford. Paper on "A History of Immigra- 
tion to the United States." 
Sept. 29. Special Meeting held with the Middlesex Conference 
at the Congregational Church in Saybrook in com- 
memoration of the Two Hundredth Anniversary 
of the Saybrook Platform. Addresses by Professor 
Samuel Hart, D. D., D. C. L., President of the 
Connecticut Historical Society, and the Reverend 
Lewellyn Pratt, D. D., of Norwich. 



9 

Oct. 20. Mr. Cephas Brainerd of New York. Address on 
"Some Lawyers and Cases of Middlesex County." 

Nov. 17. Mr. W. R. Cross of the Hartford Courant. Paper 
on Noah Webster, the year 1908 being the one 
hundred and fiftieth anniversary of Noah Webster's 
birth. 

Dec. 15. Mr. Albert Randolph Crittenden. Address on "The 
Currency of our Fathers." 

1909 

Jan. 19. Professor Robert H. Fife, Jr., Ph.D., of Wesleyan 
University. Paper on Edgar Allan Poe, the day 
of meeting (Jan. 19) being the one hundredth 
anniversary of the birth of the poet. 

Feb. 16. Charles H. Smith, LL. D., Professor of American 
History in Yale University. Paper on "The Re- 
ligious Character of Abraham Lincoln." (Read 
by the President as Professor Smith was unable to 
attend.) 

Mar. 16. Mr. Arthur L. Shipman of Hartford. Paper on 
Reverend Thomas L. Shipman, formerly a prom- 
inent clergyman in Connecticut. 

The papers as shown above covered a wide scope in 
their range of subjects and were listened to with much 
pleasure and interest. The Society is deeply indebted 
to the gentlemen above mentioned for their kindly 
service, and begs to express its sincere thanks and 
appreciation. 

MEMBERSHIP 

The list of members shows only a slight change. 
At the time of our last annual meeting the member- 
ship consisted of one hundred and six active and twelve 
life-members. During the year we have lost four valued 
members by death, including one life-member, and two 
have withdrawn. We have gained one active member 



10 

and have at present a list of one hundred and two 
active and eleven life-members — a total of one hundred 
and thirteen, including six who are non-residents. 

PUBLICATIONS 

The list of publications so far issued by the Society 

consists of six pamphlets as follows: — 

Pamphlet 

No. i. The Society's Charter and By-Laws. 

No. 2. Address of the President as delivered at the annual 
meeting of April 19, 1904. 

No. 3. Address of the President and Reports of the Secretary 
and Treasurer as presented at the annual meeting 
of April 18, 1905. 

No. 4. Address of the President and Reports of the Secretary 
and Treasurer as presented at the annual meeting 
of April 17, 1906. 

No. 5. Reports of the Secretary and Acting Treasurer as 
presented at the annual meeting of April 16, 1907, 
with list of officers and members. 

No. 6. Address of the President and Reports of the Secretary 
and Treasurer as presented at the annual meeting 
of April 21, 1908, with list of officers and members 
and of articles owned by the Society and exhibited 
in its building. 

GENERAL 
The Society's building has had proper care through- 
out the year and is at present in excellent condition. 
Only a few minor repairs have proved necessary, and 
they have each received the prompt attention they 
required. The grounds, too, have been kept in good 
order, and present a creditable appearance. The large 



11 

elm tree which has long been an ornament on the 
north side of our grounds is showing the effect of old 
age. Several months ago one of the lower branches 
fell and broke a section of the iron railing on the 
veranda. The tree is badly decayed and as a pro- 
tection against the possibility of further accident, the 
question of either cutting off some of the branches or 
of removing the tree altogether should be considered. 

The financial condition of the Society continues to 
be favorable. The treasurer's report shows that the 
endowment fund is now $6,262.80, all of which is well 
invested in interest-bearing securities. The fund was 
$6,000.00 originally, and the present figure represents 
the accumulation of income over expenses. 

It is a pleasure to report that during the year the 
Society has again been presented with a number of 
articles for exhibition and safe keeping. Books, 
pamphlets, articles of furniture, and military equip- 
ment, etc., many of them of much value and interest, 
as representing the life and times of the inhabitants 
in former years, have been received and duly recorded. 
These accessions have added greatly to the importance 
and worth of our collection of historical relics. It is 
to be hoped that members and friends of the Society 
will continue to favor us in this respect and assist us 
in making our collection a thoroughly representative 
exhibit of the customs and conditions that prevailed in 
the early days of Middletown and Middlesex County. 

The Society has lost a loyal friend and constant and 
efficient supporter in the death of Mrs. E. K. Hubbard. 
Beginning with the organization of the Society, and 
continuing through the period of its gradual develop- 
ment, Mrs. Hubbard contributed to our support in a 



12 

substantial measure each year. Her generous spirit 
and kindly interest in our welfare and progress will 
long be gratefully remembered. In the annals of the 
Society her name will always be particularly associated 
with the welcome gift of this building. It came just 
at the time when one of the most pressing questions 
before us was a permanent home for the Society. The 
gift was thankfully accepted, and it will be our duty 
and pleasure to preserve it henceforth with proper 
care in lasting token of our appreciation. 

H. C. Whittlesey, Secretary. 



13 



Minute relative to the death of Mrs. E. K. Hubbard as 
adopted by the Society at its meeting on J a unary 19, 
1909, by a rising vote. 

The Middlesex County Historical Society desires to 
place on record its profound sense of irreparable loss 
in the death of Mrs. Margaret Sill Hubbard at her 
home on High Street, December 27, 1908. Mrs. 
Hubbard was one of the early friends of this Society, 
and was a generous contributor to its permanent fund, 
besides giving to it many valuable books and docu- 
ments of historic interest. In 1906 she transferred to 
the Society her paternal homestead, its present com- 
modious quarters, together with many useful furnish- 
ings, and numerous books, pictures, etc. After this 
liberal donation, she made many other ample offerings 
to the Society, which have materially aided it in its 
work, so that she will long be remembered by us as a 
most munificent patron. 

Yet Mrs. Hubbard's large gifts to this Society were 
merely samples of her lavish beneficence to the com- 
munity. It seemed to be her chief delight to open her 
hand for the welfare of others. Her name had long 
been a synonym for widespread and unstinted charities. 
These were but the outflow of her warm, loving heart. 
Hence it is that no recent death in our city has left so 
lamentable a vacancy as that of Mrs. Elijah Kent 
Hubbard. 

Resolved, That this minute be spread upon our records, 
and that a copy be sent to the family of the deceased. 



u 



©rfasurrr's Amtual Krjiort 



APRIL 20, 1909 



1357 


04 


207 


00 


125 


00 


50 


po 


80 


00 


80 


00 



George A. Craig, Treasurer, in account with 

The Middlesex County Historical Society: 

Dr. 
To balance brought forward, April, 1908, - 

To dues collected, 

To gift from Mr. George T. Meech, - - - - 

To rent received from Wadsworth Chapter, D. A. R., 

To coupons, St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern 

Ry. Co. bonds, ------- 

To coupons, Buffalo & Susquehanna Ry. Co. bonds, 

$899 04 

Cr. 

By coal, -- $63 00 

By water, --------- 10 00 

By gas, - - 4 34 

By seed, etc., for lawn, ------ 3 65 

By street sprinkling, ------- 600 

By printing of Pamphlet No. 6, - - - - - - 35 00 

By repairs to building, - - - - - - 32 51 

By repairs to furnishings, 21 29 

By postal cards, --- 900 

By printing, -------- 9 60 

By envelopes and postage, 16 25 

By clerical work, - 20 10 

By care of elm trees, ------- 10 00 

By balance cash in First National Bank, - - - 658 30 

$899 °4 



15 

INVESTMENTS. 

2 bonds, St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Ry. Co., $2,000 00 

2 bonds, Buffalo & Susquehanna Ry. Co., - - 2,000 00 

Cash in Middletown Savings Bank, - - - - 1,098 96 

Cash in Farmers & Mechanics Savings Bank, - - 581 92 

Cash in Freestone Savings Bank, Portland, - - 581 92 



),262 80 



Respectfully submitted, 

George A. Craig, Treasurer. 



Middletown, Conn., April 20, 1909. 

I certify that I have examined the books and vouchers of 
George A. Craig, Treasurer, for the year ending on this day, 
and find them to agree with the foregoing statement. I have 
also examined and counted the securities in the hands of said 
Treasurer and find them to agree with the list as given above. 

Wm. J. DeMaiiriac, Auditor. 



16 



OMrrrs 



ELECTED APRIL 20. 1909 



PRESI DENT 

Azel W. Hazen, D. D., ----- Middletowii 

VICE-PRESI DENTS 

Albert R. Crittenden, ----- Middletown 

John H. Sage, ------- Portland 

SECRETARY 

Heman C. Whittlesey, ----- Middletown 

TREASURER 

Richard C. Fagan, ------ Middletown 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

The President, The Secretary, 

The Vice-Presidents,. The Treasurer, 

Samuel Hart, D. D., - ----- Middletown 

Frank F. Starr, ------ Middletown 

George M. DuTcher, ----- Middletown 

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE 

Charles A. Pelton, ------ Middletown 

Clarence S. WadsworTh, - Middletown 

Wallace K. Bacon, ------ Middletown 

G. Ellsworth Meech, ----- Middletown 

Frank K. Hallock, ------ Cromwell 



11 

FINANCE COMMITTEE 

William H. Burrows, Middletown 

Wallace K. Bacon, ------ Middletown 

John H. Sage, ------- Portland 

HOUSE COMMITTEE 

Frank B. Weeks, ------ Middletown 

Wilbur F. Burrows, ----- Middletown 

Heman C. Whittlesey, ----- Middletown 

Mrs. Walter B. Hubbard, - Middletown 

Miss Mariana Townsend, - Middletown 

AU DITOR 

William J. de Mauriac, ----- Middletown 



18 



Htfe-fcmb?ra 



Hon. Albert R. Crittenden, - 
Mrs. Albert R. Crittenden, - 
Rev. Azel W. Hazen, D. D., - 
Mrs. Azel W. Hazen, 
Mrs. Walter B. Hubbard, 
William G. Mather, 
Heman C. Whittlesey, B. a., - 
Mrs. Heman C. Whittlesey, - 
Mrs. William W. Wilcox, 
Mrs. William W. Wilcox, Jr., 
William W. Wilcox, B.A., 



Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Cleveland, O. 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 



Mnnbera 



Abel C. Allison, Middletown 

Joseph W. Alsop, ------ Simsbury 

Edwin P. Augur, - - - - - - Middletown 

Samuel Babcock, Middletown 

Wallace K. Bacon, - Middletown 

Abner A. Bevin, East Hampton 

Mrs. Jane D. Boardman, - Middletown 

Cephas Brainerd, New York 

Judson B. Brainerd, Portland 

William B. Brewer, Middletown 

Robert Broatch, ------ Middletown 

Mrs. James H. Bunce, ----- Middletown 

James H. Bunce, ------ Middletown 

Robert W. Burke, Middletown 



19 

Eugene H. Burr, Middletown 

Wilbur F. Burrows, - Middletown 

William H. Burrows, ----- Middletown 

Dale D. Butler, Middletown 

J. Francis Calef, M. D., ----- Middletown 

Miss Jennie M. Clarke, Middletown 

W. Harry Clemons, M. A., - - - Princeton, N. J. 

Edward S. Coe, Cromwell 

Ex-Governor O. Vincent Coffin, - - Middletown 
Augustus H. Conklin, ... - East Hampton 

George A. Craig, Middletown 

Charles W. Cramer, ----- Portland 

Eddie S. Davis, Middletown 

William J. de Mauriac, ----- Middletown 

Mrs. William J. de Mauriac, - - - - Middletown 

Richard L. de Zeng, ----- Middletown 

Professor George M. DuTcher, Ph.D., - Middletown 

Richard C. Fagan, Middletown 

Edward B. Fall, ------ Middletown 

John L. Fisk, - Middletown 

Henry H. Francis, Middletown 

Edward A. Gladwin, ----- Middletown 

Frederick E. Gibbons, ----- Middletown 

Ferdinand GilderslEEVE, ... - Portland 

Oliver GilderslEEVE, ----- Portland 

Miss Emma C. Gilman, Middletown 

Archibald C. Goodrich, ----- Portland 

Frederick W. Goodrich, - Portland 

Robert S. Griswold, Cromwell 

James K. Guy, - - Middletown 

Hon. Frank D. Haines, Middletown 

Asaph H. Hale, Portland 

David A. Hall, Portland 

Stephen S. Hall, ------ Portland 

Frank K. Hallock, M. D., - Cromwell 

Professor Samuel Hart, D. D., D. C.L., - Middletown 



20 

Lucius R. Hazen, B. A., ----- Middletown 

Miner C. Hazen, M. D., ----- Haddam 

E. Dyer Hubbard, ------ Middletown 

Hon. Elijah K. Hubbard, - Middletown 

E. Kent Hubbard, Jr., B. A., - - - Middletown 

Hon. Josiah M. Hubbard, - Middletown 

George H. HulberT, - Bristol 

Charles E. Jackson, ----- Middletown 

Edward Q. Jackson, ----- Middletown 

Wieliam J. James, M. A., ----- Middletown 

Aeva H. KELSEY, ------ Middletown 

Miss Mary E. Lyman, ----- Middlefield 

Charles E. Lyman, ------ Middlefield 

Henry L. Mansfield, - Middletown 

Ernest A. Markham, M. D., - Durham 

Revieo C. Markham, ----- Middletown 

Mrs. EEEEN MaThewson, - Durham 

G. EeesworTh Meech, ----- Middletown 

Joseph Merriam, ------ Middletown 

Hon. Lyman A. Miles, ----- Middlefield 

William Mylchreest, ----- Middletown 

Isaac G. Newell, ------ Middletown 

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Northrop, - - - Ivoryton 

Richard H. Pascall, ----- Portland 

Charles A. PelTon, ------ Middletown 

William D. Penfteld, ----- Portland 

Wallace Porter, ------ Higganum 

Albert E. Purple, ------ Moodus 

Mrs. Susan C. Ray, ------ Middletown 

Pres. Bradford P. Raymond, D. D., LL. D., Middletown 

Professor William N. Rice, Ph.D., LL. D., Middletown 

Miss Mary P. Roberts, Middletown 

Hon. Samuel Russell, ----- Middletown 

Samuel Russell, Jr., ----- Middletown 



n 

John H. Sag?:, ------- Portland 

Philip Sage, ------- Portland 

Miss Emily A. Selden, ----- Middletown 

Frank C. Smith, ------ Middletown 

Frank F. Starr, ------ Middletown 

Charles O. Stone, ------ Middletown 

Willis E. Terrill, - - Middletown 
Mrs. Anna S. Titcomb, - Springfield, Mass. 

Miss Mariana Townsend, - Middletown 

Professor John M. Van VlECK, LL. D., - Middletown 

Clarence S. Wadsworth, - Middletown 

Henry C. Ward, - - Middletown 

Oliver S. WaTrous, D. D.S., - Middletown 

Governor Frank B. Weeks, - Middletown 

Mrs. Frank B. Weeks, ----- Middletown 

William S. Wetherbee, ----- Middletown 

Professor Caleb T. Winchester, L.H.D., - Middletown 

Edward H. Wilkins, ----- Middletown 



The Society has a library of 1,649 volumes and 387 
pamphlets, many old newspapers, letters, deeds, and 
other records of historic value. One hundred and 
twenty books have been presented during the past 
year. Mansfield Post, G. A. R., of Middletown, has 
presented the Society with its large collection of relics 
of the Civil War. It also has in its keeping many 
articles loaned by the owners, notably a collection of 
curious old "wearing apparel and fine embroideries, and 
a number of oil portraits. 



Utai of Arttrka 

©ttntfii bg tiff S»ortPtg ano lixhtbttpo in ita Uml&tnn 



1. Photograph of Middletown in 1868. 

2. a, b. Photograph of house built by Commodore Mac- 
donough in 1819, demolished in 1893, and replaced by the 
Y. M. C. A. building. 

3. Early oil painting of Middletown by Richard W. Hub- 
bard, a native of Middletown. 

4. Photographs of six historic homes in Middletown, pre- 
pared for the Jamestown Exposition, 1907. 

5. a, b, c. Photograph of old First Church on Main 
Street, Middletown. 

6. Collection of fashion-plates, 1848. 

7. Indian arrowheads, bought in 1907 at Richmond, Va. 

8. Picture of Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs, who served 
in the Revolutionary War. 1740-1823. 

9. Epaulettes of Billings Neff, Lieutenant of the 6th Regi- 
ment Connecticut Militia. 

10. Sword and sash of Billings Neff. 



ii. Framed army recruiting poster, Oct. 24, 1861. 

12. Engraving of Lady Washington's Reception, "from the 
original picture in possession of A. T. Stewart, Esq." 

13. Key to No. 12. 

14. Picture of Wolcott Huntington of Norwich, Conn., who 
married Jane H. Watkinson of Middletown, whose home was 
on Main Street. 

15. Warrant for arrest of Caesar, Negro, for " Prophane 
Swearing, threatening and contemptuous language." Feb. 20, 
1787. 

16. Faith, Hope, and Charity at the tomb of Washington. 

17. Pencil sketch of Captain Alden Partridge, aged 40, and 
of the American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy, 
Middletown, 1826. 

18. Camp chair made from wood of old elm tree under 
whose branches the first settlers of Middletown commenced 
their Sabbath worship, which was the foundation of the First 
Church. 

19. Photograph of Joseph W. Alsop. 

20. Framed State Democratic ticket, 1839. 

21. Framed circular with sketches of lives of Democratic 
State candidates, 1839. 

22. Old engraved copper-plate. 

23. Cradle from estate of the late Charles A. Boardman of 
Middletown, 1812-1907. 

24. Engraving, Daniel Webster addressing the Senate, 1850. 

25. Key to No. 24. 

26. Democratic handbill, 1838. 

27. Democratic handbill, 1839. 

28. Old engraving of Capitol at Washington. 

29. Framed Middletown Daily News, November 14, 1850. 

30. Framed Middlesex Gazette, May 13, 1809. 

31. Old engraving, Last days of Webster at Marshfield. 

32. Genealogy of the Washington family. 

33. Framed contract drawn by Washington. 

34. The will of Mary Washington. Framed printed copy. 

35. Lock of Washington's hair, given to Mrs. S. A. Hart of 
Middletown, in 1840, by his servant Hammet Achmet. 

36. Oil portrait of Jonathan Barnes, Esq. 



n 

37. Picture of the Charter Oak. 

38. Confederate button. 

39. Foot-stove, 17S0. 

40. Picture of John D. Dickinson. 

41. Photograph of Dr. Charles Woodward of Middletown, 
1 799-1870. 

42. Photograph of Charles R. Woodward of Middletown, 
1832-1904. 

43. Photograph of Henry Woodward of Middletown, 1S38- 
1907. 

44. Photograph of John Hubbard Watkinson. 

45. Framed manuscript list of contributors to fund for en- 
closing burial ground now Riverside Cemetery, Middletown, 

1815. 

46. Old illustrated design of Life and Ages of Man. 

47. Old picture of Rome. 

48. Parsonage on High Street near head of College Street, 
Middletown, occupied by Enoch Huntington, pastor of First 
Church, 1 762-1 809. Painted by Miss Margaret Van Deursen. 

49. Picture of Daniel Webster. 

50. Painting of house of William Russell, pastor of First 
Church, 1715-1761. 

51. Landscape by John A. Sumner of Middletown, died 1899. 

52. Landscape by John A. Sumner. 

53. Poster of Hartford, Providence and Boston Mail Line of 
Post Coaches. 

54. Illuminated parchment and seal. 

55. Old round table. 

56. Portrait of Dr. Joseph Barrett, an English physician, 
Professor of Geology in the Partridge Academy until about 
1828, afterwards practising physician in Middletown. 

57. Photograph of Main Street, Middletown. 

58. Portrait of Isaac Hubbard of Middlefield. 

59. Photograph of Gen. Samuel Holden Parsons' house, 
Main Street, Middletown, foot of Church Street, built by 
Constant Kirtland 1753, demolished. 

60. Engraving of Nehemiah Hubbard of Middletown, in 
his 83rd year. 1752-1837. 

61. Old mantel clock. 



25 

62. Piece of Charter Oak. 

63. Miniature Liberty Bell. 

64. Pipe and case belonging to Dr. Dickinson, Middletown, 
1760. 

65. New England Society button from Portland Exposition, 

i9°5- 

66. Massachusetts button from Portland Exposition, 1905. 

67. John Winthrop button, from New Loudon celebration, 
1906. 

68. Powder horn, once owned by Julius Andrews of East 
Haddam, and said to have been used in the Indian Wars and 
the Revolution. 

69. Confederate five-dollar bill. 

70. Ring made from the Charter Oak. 

71. Medal to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 
death of Thomas Robbins, D. D. Presented by the Con- 
necticut Historical Society. 

72. Medal from the Jamestown Exposition, 1907. 

73. Key of front door of old Court House in Middletown, 
demolished 1893. 

74. a, b. Key of Town Clerk's office in old Court House 
in Middletown, demolished 1893. 

75. a, b. Sign of Isaac Webb, Attorney-at-Law, who once 
conducted a school on High Street, in the building now known 
as Webb Hall of Wesleyan University. 

76. Spinning wheel. 

77. Reel for skeining woolen yarn. 

78. Old kettle crane. 

79. Baker shovel, used for drawing bread, etc., from old 
brick oven. 

80. Alsop pistol, made in Middletown, 1862. 

81. Clock weight from Gen. Parsons' house. (See No. 59.) 

82. One-dollar bill of Central National Bank, Middletown, 
Nov. 17, 1851, bearing signatures of Henry D. Smith, Cashier, 
and Charles Woodward, President. 

S3. Flint-lock fowling piece. 

84. String of antique sleigh bells. 

85. Complete old appliance for making cheese. 

86. Runlet, or wooden drinking bottle. 



87. Three brass buttons formerly worn by the Partridge 
Cadets and recently excavated on the grounds of Wesleyan 
University. 

88. Old embroidered cloth bag. 

89. Medal of The Father Mathew Temperance Society. 

90. Exhibition case of plane irons. 

91. Daguerreotype of the Rev. John R. Crane, pastor of 
the First Church of Middletown, 1818-1853. 

92. Picture of Dr. Win. Bryan Casey, a former physician 
of Middletown, surgeon of the 20th Conn. Regiment. 

93. Portrait of Gen. William H. Russell, late of New 
Haven. 

94. Ten-skilling piece, Danish- American, 1S16. 

95. Tin baker for fire-place. 

96. Old mortar and pestle. 

97. Old brass kettle. 

98. Crane for fire-place. 

99. Illustrated map of Middletown, 1851. 

100. Large hair trunk. 

101. Small hair trunk. 

102. Old-fashioned wall candlestick. 

103. Illustrated map of Andersonville Prison. 

104. Foot-stove from old Stowe house, Middlefield. 

105. Iron skillet used by the grandmother of Mrs. Geo. N. 
Ward of Middletown. 

106. Old soup tureen and ladle. 

107. Old china platter. 

108. Covered basket, which belonged to Mrs. Samuel Mather, 
grandmother of Mrs. W. B. Hubbard. 

109. Large old clothes basket. 

1 10. Old bandbox with picture of New York City Hall on 
cover. 

in. Steelyards. 

112. a, b, c. Three fire buckets stored for years in the loft 
of the Middlesex County National Bank. 

113. a, b. Two fire buckets owned by Capt. Henry Lewis 
De Koven of Middletown. 

114. a, b. Two fire buckets from estate of Charles A. 
Boardman of Middletown. 



27 

ii5- Fire bucket owned by Mrs. Sarah S. Spencer, who 
in 1824 built and occupied the house now 208 Washington 
Street, Middletown. 

116. a, b, c. Fire bucket. 

117. Small hair trunk. 

118. Old waffle iron. 

119. Candle mould. 

120. a, b. Fluid lamp. 

121. Engraving of Henry Clay. 

122. Doorplate of Dr. Wm. Bryan Casey. (See No. 92.) 

123. a, b, c. Whiskey flask. 1850. 

124. Small steelyards, made in Middletown. 

125. Combination knife, fork, and spoon. 

126. Framed copy of Declaration of Independence. 181S. 

127. Picture of Henry Clay Work, poet of the war time. 

128. <?, b. Hatchel. 

129. a, b, c, d, e. Reel. 

130. Portrait of Fanny Harrison of North Branford, sister 
of Captain Harrison of War of 181 2. 

131. Portrait. 

132. Photograph of old Court House, Middletown, demol- 
ished 1893. 

133. Painting by Benjamin P. Elliott, who lived on the 
corner of Court and Pearl Streets, Middletown. 



The following articles are from the collection of Mr. Charles 
H. Neff of Portland: 



134 
135 
136 
137 
1 3« 
139 
140 
141 
142 



Reel. 

Old cow-bell. 

Fire tongs. 

Old hand-made shears. 

Very old tinder box. 

Pot hook, to lift pots or kettles. 

Two weaver's shuttles. 

Powder horn. 

Hank of bleached linen thread. 



28 

143- Skein of white linen yarn. 

144. Two hanks of unbleached spun flax. 

145. Hank of unbleached linen thread. 

146. Roll of sheep's wool. 

147. Old foot-stove. 

148. Piece of wood from the keel of a ship unearthed in 
Front Street, New York, in 1893. The ship is claimed to have 
been an English Transport, which brought troops and ammu- 
nition to this country in the French Colonial Wars, and which 
was sunk in New York harbor about 1733. 

149. Swingling knife, used for beating flax. 

150. Rapier, 31-inch blade. 

151. Rapier and sheath. 

152. Flint-lock picked up on the battlefield of Yorktown, 
Va., about 1850. 

153. Pair of worsted hatchels over 100 years old. 

154. Iron crane, owned by great-grandfather of Charles A. 
Pelton of Middletown. From Aunt Phile Pelton House, Pen- 
field Hill, Portland. 

!55- Old barometer and thermometer, once belonging to 
the Overton family, Portland. 

156. Old iron toaster. 

157. Revolving gridiron with receptacle for fat. 

158. String of eight old spools. 

159. Old Dutch axe brought over in early days. Turned 
out with plough. 

160. Small old pair of candle snuffers. 

161. Old clasp knife of odd form. 

162. Brass candlestick. 

163. Old style bullet mould. 

164. Pair of creepers, used for walking on ice. 

165. Iron snuffers and tray. 

166. Thirty-one chipped flints, made for the flint-lock mus- 
kets used in the old militia companies. 

167. Sword with sheath. A relic of the Spanish-American 
War. 

168. Hatchel for cleaning flax or hemp. 

169. Three cannon balls and shell found in an old house in 
Portland. 



29 

The following have been added to the Society's collection 
during the past year: 

170. a, b. Two U. S. Army pistols, manufactured in Mid- 
dletown by S. North in what is now the factory of the Rockfall 
Woolen Co. 

171. Photograph of John A. Sumner, an artist of Middle- 
town, Aug. 4, 1825-Dec. 10, 1899. 

172. Photograph of Gen. Wm. H. Noble, born Aug. 18, 1813. 

173. Photograph of Col. H. C. Shumway, 7th Regt., N. Y. 

174. Three hickory net needles, used in repairing shad 
nets, 1818. Found in garret of old Atkins house, South Main 
Street, Middletown. 

175. Photograph of the medal given to all surviving three- 
months men in the Civil War. 

176. Piece of handmade clapboard taken from Central Hotel , 
Meriden, built in 1752, removed in 1890. 

177. Plan and specifications of Woodward House, built by 
Samuel Stearns, corner of Broad and Court Streets, Middletown. 

178. Gentleman's sword, which belonged to Capt. Hubbard 
Fuller, Moodus. 

179. a, b. Two military hats worn by 5th Regiment, Mans- 
field Guard. 

180. Bayonet sheath with canvas belt, said to have been 
used in the Mexican War. 

181. Bayonet found in digging sewer in northern part of 
Middletown, 1908. 

182. Artillery pike found in ruins of Wilcox & Crittenden 
factory, built in 1808, burned 1907. 

183. Forty-pound shot that killed Charles C. Pollard at 
Spring Hill, Va., in the Civil War. 

184. Folio containing 30 photographs of celebrated paint- 
ings and places in Europe, and several local views. 

185. Framed letter to Philip Mortimer from trustees of First 
Church, tendering him a church sitting in appreciation of his 
donation of a burying ground for the use of the people of the 
district. 

186. Toll sign froin Middletown-Portland Bridge, made free 
1908. 



187. Pre-Revolutionary sign from Dan Cheney's tavern, 
Portland. Masonic emblems are painted on one side, and a 
schooner on the other. 

188. Cane and banner from dedication of stone bridge, 
Hartford. 

189. a, b. Two astral lamps. 

190. a, b, c, d. Four military hats. 

191. Old toasting-iron. 

192. a, b, c. Three Indian stone weapons. 

193. Pair of old beaded moccasins. 

194. Old iron shovel. 

195. Old-fashioned traveling bag. 

196. Flip iron. 

197. Eleven colored military pictures. 

198. Advertising sign of Joseph T. Bell, manufacturer of 
military caps and belts, New York. 

199. Office sign of E. W. N. Starr, town clerk in Middletown 
for thirty-eight years. 

200. Silk banner of Mattabesett Division of Sons of Tem- 
perance. 

201 . Facsimile of Judge's warrant for execution of Charles I. 

202. Facsimile of Connecticut Charter of 1662, obtained of 
Charles II., by Winthrop. 

203. Facsimile of autographs of original officials of first 
Government of Colony of Connecticut (1639), comprising the 
towns of Dorchester, Newtowne, and Watertown, soon after 
called Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield, respectively. 

204. Facsimile of autographs of the first Government of the 
Colony of Connecticut (1665), after the union of the Colonies of 
Connecticut and New Haven. 

205. African spear-head made by natives. 

206. Hand-wrought African knife. 

207. Pair of white openwork stockings, knit about 1850 by 
Mrs. Maria Bishop. 

208. Knapsack of Mansfield Guard. 

209. Musket used by Gilbert Bailey in the Mexican War. 

210. A chair owned and used by Washington in New York. 



Stye MxbbUBtx fflaimtg 
♦ ♦ fjjiatortral 9orfe tg ♦ ♦ 

Pamptjlrt No. B May. 1 9 1 fl 



Address of the President, the Rev. Azel 
W. Hazen, D. D., Report of the Secretary, 
Mr. Heman C. Whittlesey, B. A., and 
Report of the Treasurer, Mr. Richard C. 
Fagan, as presented at the Annual Meeting 
held in the Society's Building, Middletown, 
Connecticut, April Nineteenth, Nineteen 
Hundred and Ten ; also a list of the 
Officers and Members and of Articles owned 
by the Society and exhibited in its Building 



f lor 



far tljr &0ri*ly*a ArrlfitJffl 



Pamphlets, handbills, letters, diaries, deeds, 
wills, records of religious societies, business 
houses, etc. 

Old newspapers (bound or unbound), reports 
of anniversaries of towns and churches, 
books, articles of household use, uniforms, 
costumes, etc. 

Portraits, badges, medals, flags, guns, swords, 
Indian and war relics, historic china or plate, 
furniture and other memorials representing 
local or national history. 



PELTON 4 KING PRINT 



5% i$i&MeH*x (ttauntij ijtainnrai Sarietg 

Aiiiir rsrt of tlfF ifrratdrnt 



The last twelvemonth has been one of average pros- 
perity for our Society, as will appear by the reports of 
the Secretary and the Treasurer. Some facts of the 
year deserve special mention, that they may be held 
in our memories. The number of members who have 
died since our last annual meeting is only half as large 
as that then reported, yet we have lost heavily in their 
departure. 

Hon. Josiah Meigs Hubbard passed from earth 
December 20, 1909, at the ripe age of seventy-seven 
years. A native of this town, he was always stead- 
fastly loyal to it, though a portion of his life was spent 
elsewhere. 

Mr. Hubbard was of the best New England stock, 
being of the seventh generation in descent from George 
Hubbard, one of the settlers of Middletown. He in- 
herited rare qualities of mind and heart from his 
sturdy parents, which made him the superior man that 
he was. He was deeply attached to his home and 
kindred, acknowledging his obligations to them with 
true filial affection and genuine gratitude. The ideals 
of his youth were the ideals of his maturity, which he 
ever aimed to realize. Fond of reading and of study, 
as well as of manual labor, he became not only a 



scientific farmer, but a man of varied intelligence. He 
rendered not a little service to agriculture in Connecti- 
cut, his words and his papers having a most wholesome 
influence. 

Mr. Hubbard was one of our wisest and most useful 
citizens, being ever ready to bear his full share of the 
burdens of society. He was not the type of man that 
seeks official position, yet many offices sought him, 
and found him equal to their demands. When his 
country called him, no man was more quick to respond 
than he, sterling patriot that he was. 

Mr. Hubbard's interest in our Historical Society was 
enthusiastic and unfailing. He was often at our meet- 
ings, and this at considerable sacrifice of time and 
effort on his part, since he was a busy man, and lived 
at a distance from the city, while two of our most 
instructive papers were from his skilful pen. This 
Society and this town should cherish his memory with 
perennial fidelity. 

Miss Jennie Miles Clarke departed this life January 
10, 1910, at the age of 74 years. While not, like Mr. 
Hubbard, a native of Middletown, she spent much 
time here in her youth, and for a decade or more her 
home had been in this city. Miss Clarke was a woman 
of marked individuality, who made a strong impres- 
sion upon all who knew her. She had a fine figure, 
a pleasing countenance, and a brilliant eye. Her mind 
was always alert and intelligent. She framed opinions 
quickly, and had no lack of courage to express them 
in vigorous language. Once her convictions were 
formed, it was not easy to lead her to modify them. 
Though sometimes apparently cold in manner, she 
possessed warm sympathies, which went out freely 



toward her friends, and toward the needy. Her bene- 
factions were wide-spread and unstinted. For one not 
long a resident here, she took an unusually active in- 
terest in the welfare of this town. She rejoiced in all 
prosperity that came to it, and mourned when adversity 
crossed its path. She watched the progress of St. 
Luke's Home, the Middlesex Hospital, the District 
Nurse Association, and the Industrial School, being 
prompt to render them assistance. She was one of the 
charter members of our Historical Society, was often 
at its meetings, and gave it not a few articles of value. 
In short, Miss Clarke, by reason of her social position, 
her high character, her public spirit, and her manifold 
generous deeds, leaves this Society, as well as the en- 
tire community, far the poorer for her departure. 

One of the memorable events of the last year, in 
which our Society had a small share, was the visit of 
President Taft to this city, November 12, in connection 
with the Inauguration of Dr. William Arnold Shanklin 
as President of Wesleyan University. The connection 
of this Society with the occasion was through its George 
Washington chair, which was occupied by President 
Taft at the Middlesex in the morning, and at the 
University Gymnasium in the afternoon. It gives a 
new dignity to this valuable relic of the past that it 
was not only owned by the first President of the 
United States, but that it held for several hours the 
massive form of the twenty-seventh. Thus this price- 
less chair has been in service for certainly one decade, 
perhaps for two, more than a century. That twelfth 
of November was a red-letter day for Middletown. 
Not only were the President and the Vice-President of 
the Republic on the platform of the Middlesex, but 



two United States Senators, the Governor of the Com- 
monwealth, and four Ex-Governors, the mayor of our 
city, and several ex-mayors, representatives of more 
than eighty institutions of learning, fully one half of 
them being the heads of those institutions, trustees in 
large numbers, professors still more numerous, bishops 
and clergymen of various orders, judges, attorneys, 
eminent laymen, and worthy women, not a few, to- 
gether with a compact mass of alumni and students, 
full to overflowing with enthusiasm for the Univer- 
sity, as well as for the unprecedented concourse of 
dignitaries. 

The day itself was all that could have been desired, 
while the admirable exercises within doors, and the 
splendid display without, will cause the celebration to 
live long in the memories of all who witnessed it, as 
a noble ideal of what such a demonstration should 
be. The year 1909 will be marked for generations as 
the year in which our town was thus conspicuously 
honored. 

Miss Alice M. Hotchkiss, who had been our faithful 
assistant secretary for several years, resigned the posi- 
tion in the summer, but we were most fortunate in 
securing Miss Frances Pelton to fill her place. She 
takes an intelligent interest in matters of history, and 
spares neither time nor effort to make her services 
contribute to the welfare of the Society. 

Our Society just now is called to bear an irreparable 
loss in the declinature of its secretary to accept a re- 
election. Eminently qualified by native gifts and by 
training for this responsible post, he has discharged its 
duties with a skill and a faithfulness seldom found. 
It is not too much to say that his services have been a 



leading factor in the growth and the success of our 
organization. From his character and his standing in 
the community, his very name on our list of officials 
has lent us prestige and strength. Without an excep- 
tion our members regret his unshakable decision to 
leave the office he has held with so genuine credit to 
himself and so ample advantage to us, while we tender 
him our grateful thanks for the distinguished service 
he has rendered us. 

The committee on the tablet in memory of Mrs. 
Margaret Sill Hubbard reports progress, though not 
enough subscriptions have yet been made to cover its 
necessary cost. Many of our number have so far taken 
no part in this commendable project. Nor does the 
committee in reference to an external designation of 
this building conclude what shall be the form of it. 
With a larger income from funds or from member- 
ships, the Society could accomplish some desirable 
things which are now beyond its reach. We ought to 
be able to publish and to purchase more than we do, 
both for our own sake, and for the benefit of the 
County, of which our Society is one of the most honor- 
able institutions. 



&*rr*fetrj}*B Annual l&^pott 



To the President a?id Members of the Society: 

In accordance with our By-Laws, I beg to submit 
the Secretary's annual report for the year ending on 
April 19, 1910. 

MEETINGS 

During the past year regular meetings have been 
held in the Society's building on the third Tuesday of 
each month, with the exception of June, July, August, 
and September. In connection with our meetings, we 
have followed the same practice as in previous years; 
that is, we have first held a short session to transact 
routine business and receive and act upon committees' 
reports and then have held a public meeting for the 
purpose of listening to an address or paper upon some 
subject of local or general interest. The only excep- 
tions during the year were the two meetings of Nov- 
ember 16, 1909, and January 18, 19 10. In the former 
case the meeting was limited to members of the Society 
and in the latter a meeting was not held owing to the 
inclemency of the weather. The record for the year, 
therefore, consists of seven meetings in all and for the 
sake of easy reference the dates when they were held 
with the names of the speakers and list of subjects are 
given in detail as follows: 



1909 
April 20. Annual Meeting. A business session for members 

only. Address by the President, Rev. Azel W. 

Hazen, D. D. Presentation of annual reports and 

election of officers. 
May 18. Julius Gay, Esquire, of Farmington, Conn. Paper 

on "The Old Farmington Canal." 
Oct. 19. Rev. Charles Ray Palmer, D. D., of New Haven, 

Conn. Paper on " William Hooke, the First Pas- 
tor and Teacher of the First Church in New 

Haven." 
Nov. 16. Business meeting for members only, with notes — 

contributed informally — relating to President 

Taft's visit to Middletown. 
Dec. 21. Rev. Edwin Pond Parker, D. D., of the Second 

Church of Christ, Hartford, Conn. Paper on 

"The Gentler Aspects of Puritan Life." 
1910 
Jan. 18. Meeting not held owing to unfavorable weather 

conditions. 
Feb. 22. Hon. O. V. Coffin of Middletown, Conn. Paper, 

illustrated with stereopticon views, on "Fitch, 

French, and Fulton." 
Mar. 15. Judge Simeon E. Baldwin, LL. D., of New Haven, 

Conn. Paper on "The Seal of Connecticut." 

The Society is sincerely grateful to the gentlemen 
above mentioned for their willingness to render such 
kindly service in connection with the monthly meet- 
ings. The papers dealt with subjects of timely and 
special interest and were listened to with much appre- 
ciation. 

MEMBERSHIP 

The number on our membership list remains un- 
changed. At the time of our last annual meeting the 
membership consisted of one hundred and two active 



10 

and eleven life members. During the year we have 
lost two valued members by death and have added two 
active members to our list. The total membership 
therefore is the same as a year ago, namely one 
hundred and thirteen, including six who are non- 
residents. 

PUBLICATIONS 

Our publications have so far been confined to the 
annual issue of a report in pamphlet form giving the 
essential facts regarding membership, finances, etc., 
and reviewing the Society's work and progress for the 
year. The pamphlets are uniform in size, shape, and 
general appearance and are numbered in consecutive 
order. The full list of the Society's publications to 
date as above decribed is as follows: 

Pamphlet 

No. i. The Society's Charter and By-Laws. 

No. 2. Address of the President as delivered at the annual 

meeting of April 19, 1904. 
No. 3. Address of the President and Reports of the Secretary 

and Treasurer as presented at the annual meeting 

of April 18; 1905. 
No. 4. Address of the President and Reports of the Secretary 

and Treasurer as presented at the annual meeting 

of April 17, 1906. 
No. 5. Reports of the Secretary and Acting Treasurer as 

presented at the annual meeting of April 16, 1907, 

with list of officers and members. 
No. 6. Address of the President and Reports of the Secretary 

and Treasurer as presented at the annual meeting 

of April 21, 1908, with list of officers and members 

and of articles owned by the Society and exhibited 

in its building. 



11 

No. 7. Address of the President and Reports of the Secretary 
and Treasurer as presented at the annual meeting 
of April 20, 1909, with list of officers and members 
and of articles owned by the Society and exhibited 
in its building. 

GENERAL 

The Society's building, including the interior fittings 
and permanent fixtures, is in excellent condition. The 
premises and grounds have had careful attention, minor 
repairs on the building have been made promptly as 
required, and an appearance of neatness and good order 
has been uniformly maintained. 

The only place on the property where new material 
will shortly be required is in connection with the fence. 
Some sections of it have become weakened by decay 
and the destructive work of black ants and will soon 
need to be replaced. In last year's report it was stated 
that the large elm tree on the north side of our grounds 
was beginning to show the effect of old age and that 
there was the possibility of accident resulting from 
falling limbs. Since then the matter has had proper 
attention. Dead limbs have been removed and exposed 
spots and surfaces have been so treated with cement by 
experienced workmen as to retard the process of decay 
and thereby prolong the life of this stately tree. 

The financial condition of the Society as shown by 
the treasurer's report continues to be favorable. The 
endowment fund which was originally $6,000 has now 
increased to $6,962.16. The increase is in part due to 
the fact that in recent years we have fortunately not 
had any extra heavy or unusual expenses to meet and 
it has been possible therefore to add a part of our in- 
come to the fund already at interest. 



12 

Our supply of books both old and new has steadily 
increased from year to year. We have acquired a few 
through purchase; others have been presented to us by 
kind friends and members and we are also in regular 
receipt of copies of official state documents and govern- 
ment publications of the present da)\ Taking them 
altogether it is safe to estimate that we now have a 
library of nearly two thousand volumes. It is worth 
noting too that a considerable number of the works 
are choice and are especially valuable for reference. 
The preparation of a card catalogue, which was duly 
authorized some time ago, will shortly be undertaken, 
and when finished will provide a much needed addi- 
tion to the working equipment of this important 
department. 

In connection with the visit of President Taft to 
Middletown on November 12, 1909, to attend the in- 
stallation of W. A. Shanklin, h- H. D., LX. D., as 
President of Wesleyan University, we were able to 
render incidental service by loaning the large chair 
which was once the property of George Washington 
and now belongs to the Society. A silver tablet suit- 
ably inscribed with an. account of the event is in 
course of preparation and as soon as finished will be 
permanently attached to the back of the chair. 

At our last annual meeting it was voted that, having 
reference to the late Mrs. E. K. Hubbard and her 
benefactions to the Society, the matter of a tablet or 
memorial of some approved type and bearing a suitable 
inscription should be left in the hands of a committee 
of three. This committee, consisting of Rev. A. W. 
Hazen, Mr. Wm. H. Burrows, and Mrs. W. B. Hub- 
bard, has sought the advice of experts and in due 



IS 

course a memorial tablet, the cost of which has been 
largely provided for by private subscription, will be 
appropriately placed in the Society's building. 

During the year we have again received some notable 
additions to our collection of historical articles. They 
have come to us either as gifts or loans and include 
old documents, books, pamphlets, pieces of furniture, 
photographs, bound volumes of newspapers, etc. Our 
collection is making good progress both in extent 
and variety and we have reason to feel gratified at its 
present size and scope. In order, however, that as a 
representative exhibit it may be made still more com- 
prehensive we would urge all who are interested in the 
Society to send us contributions of historical articles 
for display and safe keeping. 

We would also express the hope that through the 
active cooperation of the membership committee it 
may be possible at the end of the current year to 
report a substantial increase in the number of our 
members. 

H. C. Whittlesey, Secretary. 



u 



(EvmBunvs Annual Export 



APRIL 16. 1910 



Richard C. Fagan, Treasurer, in account with 

The Middlesex County Historical Society: 

Dr. 

To balance April 20, 1909, ------ $658 30 

To dues collected, - . - - - - - - 190 00 

To rent received from Wadsworth Chapter, D. A. R., 62 50 
To coupons, St. Louis, Iron Mountain, & Southern 

R. R. bonds, -------- 80 00 

To coupons, Buffalo & Susquehanna R. R. bonds, - 80 00 
To cash sale of old copper, etc., - 10 27 
To cash received from Margaret Sill Hubbard Mem- 
orial Fund, -------- 131 00 

$1,212 07 
Cr. 

By transfer to investment account, - $600 00 

By expenses of speakers, - 400 

By water, - - - -- - - - - 10 00 

By gas, 4 9i 

By coal and wood, - - - - - - 56 80 

By repairs to building and furnishings, - - - 138 08 

By postage and stationery, ----- 22 92 

By printing, -------- 50 00 

By clerical work, -- 3 50 

By historical documents, express, etc., - 6 50 

By plate for Washington chair, ----- 16 00 

By street sprinkling, ------- 5 62 

By care of trees, -------- 26 45 

By balance cash in First National Bank, - - - 267 29 

$1,212 07 



15 

Investments 
2 bonds, St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern R. R. 

Co., --------- $2,000 00 

2 bonds, Buffalo & Susquehanna R. R. Co., - - 2,000 00 

Cash in Middletown Savings Bank, - 1,345 32 

Cash in Farmers and Mechanics Savings Bank, - 808 42 

Cash in Freestone Savings Bank, Portland, - - 808 42 

$6,962 16 
Respectfully submitted, 

Richard C. Fagan, Treasurer. 



Middletown, Conn., April 19, 1910. 

I hereby certify that I have examined the accounts of the 
Treasurer of the Middlesex County Historical Society, includ- 
ing the assets of the Society in said Treasurer's keeping, and 
find them to coincide with the statement herewith submitted. 

Wm. J. deMauriac, Auditor. 



16 



WfCxttrs 



ELECTED APRIL 19. 1910 



PRESI DENT 

Azel W. Hazen, D. D., Middletown 

VICE-PRESIDENTS 

Albert R. Crittenden, ----- Middletown 

John H. Sage, ------- Portland 

SECRETARY 

Edward H. Wilkins, Middletown 

TREASURER 

Richard C. Fagan, Middletown 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

The President, The Secretary, 

The Vice-Presidents, The Treasurer, 

Samuel Hart, D. D., Middletown 

Frank F. Starr, ------ Middletown 

GEORGE M. DuTcher, ----- Middletown 

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE 

H. C. Whittlesey, ------ Middletown 

Charles A. PELTON, ------ Middletown 

E. P. Augur, ------- Middletown 

Frank F. Starr, ------ Middletown 

Wilbur F. Burrows, - Middletown 



17 

FINANCE COMMITTEE 

William H. Burrows, ----- Middletown 

Wallace K. Bacon, ------ Middletown 

John H. Sage, - - Portland 

HOUSE COMMITTEE 

Frank B. Weeks, ------ Middletown 

Wilbur F. Burrows, ------ Middletown 

Heman C. Whittlesey, ----- Middletown 

Mrs. Walter B. Hubbard, - Middletown 

Miss Mariana Townsend, - Middletown 

AUDITOR 

William J. deMauriac, ----- Middletown 



18 



IQxft-MtmbnB 



Hon. Albert R. Crittenden, - 
Mrs. Albert R. Crittenden, - 
Rev. Azel W. Hazen, D. D., 
Mrs. Azel W. Hazen, 
Mrs. Walter B. Hubbard, 
William G. Mather, 
Heman C. Whittlesey, B. A., - 
Mrs. Heman C. Whittlesey, - 
Mrs. William W. Wilcox, 
Mrs. William W. Wilcox, Jr., 
William W. Wilcox, B. A., 



Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Cleveland, O. 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 



MsmbsvB 



Joseph W. Alsop, ....-- Simsbury 

Edwin P. Augur, __--.-- Middletown 

Samuel Babcock, - - - - - - Middletown 

Wallace K. Bacon, ------ Middletown 

Abner A. Bevin, ----- East Hampton 

Mrs. Jane D. Boardman, ----- Middletown 

Cephas Brainerd, New York 

Judson B. Brainerd, ------ Portland 

William B. Brewer, ------ Middletown 

Robert BroaTch, ------ Middletown 

Mrs. James H. Bunce, ----- Middletown 

James H. Bunce, ------ Middletown 

Robert W. Burke, ------ Middletown 

Eugene H. Burr, ------ Middletown 



19 

Wilbur F. Burrows, ------ Middletown 

William H. Burrows, ----- Middletown 

Dale D. Butler, Middletown 

J. Francis CalEF, M. D., - - - - - Middletown 

W. Harry ClEMONS, M. A., - - - Princeton, N. J. 

Edward S. Coe, ------- Cromwell 

Ex-Governor O. Vincent Coffin, LL. D., - Middletown 
Augustus H. Conklin, - East Hampton 

George A. Craig, ------ Middletown 

Charles W. Cramer, ----- Portland 

Eddie S. Davis, - - Middletown 

William J. deMauriac, ----- Middletown 

Mrs. William J. deMauriac, - Middletown 

Richard L. deZeng, - Middletown 

Professor George M. Dutcher, Ph. D., - Middletown 

Richard C. Fagan, ------ Middletown 

Edward B. Fall, ------ Middletown 

John L. Fisk, ------- Middletown 

Henry H. Francis, ------ Middletown 

Edward A. Gladwin, Middletown 

Frederick E. Gibbons, ----- Middletown 

Ferdinand Gildersleeve, - Portland 

Oliver Gildersleeve, ----- Portland 

Miss Emma C. Gilman, ----- Middletown 

Archibald C. Goodrich, ----- Portland 

Frederick W. Goodrich, Portland 

Robert S. Griswold, ----- Cromwell 

James K. Guy, ------- Middletown 

Hon. Frank D. Haines, ----- Middletown 

Asaph H. Hale, ------- Portland 

David A. Hall, ------- Portland 

Stephen S. Hall, ------ Portland 

Frank K. Hallock, M. D., - - - - Cromwell 

Professor Samuel Hart, D. D., D. C. L., LL. D., Middletown 

Miss Frances M. Hazen, M. A., - - - Middletown 

Lucius R. Hazen, B. A., - - - - - Middletown 

Miner C. Hazen, M. D., ----- - Haddam 



20 

E. Dyer Hubbard, ------ Middletown 

Hon. Elijah K. Hubbard, - Middletown 

E. Kent Hubbard, Jr., B. A., - - - - Middletown 

George H. Humbert, ----- New London 

Charles E. Jackson, Middletown 

Edward Q. Jackson, - Middletown 

William J. James, M. A., ----- Middletown 

Alva H. Kelsey, ------ Middletown 

Miss Mary E. Lyman, Middlefield 

Charles E. Lyman, ------ Middlefield 

Henry L. Mansfield, ----- Middletown 

ERNEST A. Markham, M. D., - - - - Durham 

Revilo C. Markham, ----- Middletown 

Mrs. Ellen Mathewson, ----- Durham 

G. Ellsworth Meech, ----- Middletown 

Joseph Merriam, ------ Middletown 

Hon. Lyman A. Mills, ----- Middlefield 

William Mylchreest, ----- Middletown 

Isaac G. Newell, ------ Middletown 

Rev. John F. Nichols, ----- Portland 

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Northrop, - - - Ivoryton 

Richard H. Pascall, ------ Portland 

Charles A. Pelton, ------ Middletown 

William D. Penfield, ----- Portland 

Wallace Porter, - - - - - - Higganum 

Albert E. Purple, Moodus 

Mrs. Susan C. Ray, - Middletown 

Ex-Pres. Bradford P. Raymond, D. D., LL. D., Middletown 

Professor William N. Rice, Ph.D., LL. D., Middletown 

Miss Mary P. Roberts, Middletown 

Hon. Samuel Russell, ----- Middletown 

Samuel Russell, Jr., ----- Middletown 

John H. Sage, ------- Portland 

Philip Sage, - Portland 

Miss Emily A. Selden, ----- Middletown 



Frank C. Smith, Middletown 

Mrs. Otis Smith, Rockfall 

Frank F. Starr, ------ Middletown 

Charles O. Stone, ------ Middletown 

Willis E. TERRiLL, ------ Middletown 

Mrs. Anna S. Titcomb, ... - Springfield, Mass. 

Miss Mariana Townsend, - Middletown 

Professor John M. Van Vleck, LL. D., - Middletown 

Clarence S. WadsworTh, B. A., LL. B., - - Middletown 

Henry C. Ward, ------ Middletown 

Oliver S. Watrous, D. D. S., - Middletown 

Governor Frank B. Weeks, LL. D., - - Middletown 

Mrs. Frank B. Weeks, ----- Middletown 

William S. Wetherbee, ----- Middletown 

Professor Caleb T. Winchester, L. H. D., - Middletown 

Edward H. Wilkins, ----- Middletown 



ICtst of Arlirks 

(Oumrii by. thr ^flrirly and lExbJbttrii in its thuliumi 



1. Photograph of Middletown in 1868. 

2. a, b. Photograph of residence of Commodore Thomas 
Macdonough, 1819-1825, demolished in 1893, and replaced by 
the Y. M. C. A. building. 

3. Early oil painting of Middletown by Richard W. Hub- 
bard, a native of Middletown. 

4. Photographs of six historic homes in Middletown, pre- 
pared for the Jamestown Exposition, 1907. 

5. a,b,c. Photographs of old First Church on Main Street, 
Middletown. 

6. Collection of fashion plates, 1848. 

7. Indian arrowheads, bought in 1907 at Richmond, Va. 

8. Picture of Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs of Middle- 
town, who served in the Revolutionary War. 1740-1823. 

9. Epaulettes of Billings Neff of Portland, Lieutenant of 
the 6th Regiment, Connecticut Militia. 

10. Sword and sash of Billings Neff. 

11. Framed army recruiting poster, October 24, 1861. 

12. Engraving of L,ady Washington's Reception, "from 
the original picture in possession of A. T. Stewart, Esq." 

13. Key to No. 12. 

14. Picture of Wolcott Huntington of Norwich, Conn., who 
married Jane E. Watkinson of Middletown, whose home was 
on Main Street. 

15. Warrant for arrest of Caesar, Negro, for " Prophane 
Swearing, threatening and contemptuous language." February 
20, 1787. 

16. Faith, Hope, and Charity at the tomb of Washington. 

17. Pencil sketch of Captain Aldeu Partridge, aged 40, and 
of the American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy, 
Middletown, 1826 



1 8. Camp chair made from wood of old elm tree under 
whose branches the first settlers of Middletown commenced 
their worship, which was the foundation of the First Church. 

19. Photograph of Joseph W. Alsop, 1S04- 

20. Framed State Democratic ticket, 1839. 

21. Framed circular with sketches of lives of Democratic 
State candidates, 1S39. 

22. Engraved copperplate, business card, Greenfield & 
Phelps, Middletown. 

23. Cradle from estate of the late Charles A. Boardman of 
Middletown, 181 2-1907. 

24. Engraving, Daniel Webster addressing the Senate, 1850. 

25. Key to No. 24. 

26. Democratic handbill, 1838. 

27. Democratic handbill, 1839. 

28. Old engraving of Capitol at Washington. 

29. Framed Middletown Daily News, November 14, 1850. 

30. Framed Middlesex Gazette, May 13, 1809. 

31. Old engraving, Last Days of Webster at Marshfield. 

32. Genealogy of the Washington family. 

33. Framed contract drawn by Washington. 

34. The will of Mary Washington. Framed printed copy. 

35. Lock of Washington's hair, given by his servant, Hamet 
Achmet, to Mrs. S. A. Hart of Middletown in 1840. 

36. Oil portrait of Jonathan Barnes, Esq., 1 789-1861. 

37. Picture of the Charter Oak. 

38. Confederate button. 

39. Foot-stove, 1780. 

40. Picture of John D. Dickinson, 1768-1841, Congressman 
from New York. 

41. Photograph of Dr. Charles Woodward of Middletown, 
1799-1870. 

42. Photograph of Charles R. Woodward of Middletown, 
1832-1904. 

43. Photograph of Henry Woodward of Middletown, 1S38- 
1907. 

44. Photograph of John Hubbard Watkinson. 

45. Framed manuscript list of contributors to fund for 
enclosing burial ground, now Riverside Cemetery, Middle- 
town, 1815. 



24 

46. Old illustrated design of Life and Ages of Man. 

47. Old picture of Rome. 

48. Parsonage on High Street near head of College Street, 
Middletown, owned and occupied by Rev. Enoch Huntington, 
pastor of the First Church, 1 762-1 809. Painted by Miss Mar- 
garet M. Van Deursen. 

49. Picture of Daniel Webster. 

50. Painting of house of Rev. William Russell, pastor of 
the First Church, 1715-1761. 

51. Landscape by John A. Sumner of Middletown, died 1899. 

52. Landscape by John A. Sumner. 

53. Poster of Hartford, Providence and Boston Mail Line of 
Post Coaches. 

54. Illuminated parchment and seal. 

55. Old round table. 

56. Portrait of Dr. Joseph Barratt, a native of England, 
Professor of Botany, Chemistry, and Mineralogy in the A. L. 
S. and M. Academy at Norwich, Vt., and Middletown from 
1S24-1S28, afterwards practising physician in Middletown. 

57. Photograph of Main Street, Middletown. 

58. Portrait of Isaac Hubbard of Middlefield. 

59. Photograph of Gen. Samuel Holden Parsons' house, 
Main Street, Middletown, foot of Church Street, built by 
Constant Kirtland, 1753, demolished 19 — . 

60. Engraving of Nehemiah Hubbard of Middletown, in 
his 83rd year. 1752-1837. 

61. Old mantel clock. 

62. Piece of Charter Oak. 

63. Miniature Liberty Bell. 

64. Pipe and case belonging to Dr. John Dickinson, Middle- 
town, 1730-1811. 

65. New England Society button from Portland Exposition, 

i9°5- 

66. Massachusetts button from Portland Exposition, 1905. 

67. John Winthrop button, from New London celebration, 
1906. 

68. Powder horn, once owned by Julius Andrews of East 
Haddam, and said to have been used in the Indian Wars and 
the Revolution. 



69. Confederate five-dollar bill. 

70. Ring made from wood of Charter Oak. 

71. Medal to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 
death of Thomas Robbins, D. D. Presented by the Con- 
necticut Historical Society. 

72. Medal from the Jamestown Exposition, 1907. 

73. Key of front door of old Court House in Middletown, 
demolished 1893. 

74. a, b. Keys of Town Clerk's office in old Court House 
in Middletown, demolished 1893. 

75. a, b. Signs of Isaac Webb, Attorney-at-Law, who once 
conducted a school on High Street, in the building now known 
as Webb Hall of Wesleyan University. 

76. Spinning wheel. 

77. Reel for skeining woolen yarn. 

78. Old kettle crane. 

79. Baker shovel, used for drawing bread, etc., from old 
brick oven. 

80. Pistol, made in Middletown, 1862, by Alsop Arms Co. 

81. Clock weight from Gen. Parsons' house. (See No. 59.) 

82. One-dollar bill of Central National Bank, Middletown, 
Nov. 17, 1851, bearing signatures of Henry D. Smith, Cashier, 
and Charles Woodward, President. 

83. Flint-lock fowling piece. 

84. String of antique sleigh bells. 

85. Complete old appliance for making cheese. 

86. Runlet, or wooden drinking bottle. 

87. Three silver plated buttons formerly worn by the 
Partridge Cadets and recently excavated on the grounds of 
Wesleyan University. 

88. Old embroidered cloth bag. 

89. Medal of The Father Mathew Temperance Society. 

90. Exhibition case of plane irons, made by E. W. N. Starr 
&Co. 

91. Daguerreotype of Rev. John R. Crane, D. D., pastor of 
the First Church of Middletown, 1818-1853. 

92. Picture of Dr. Wm. Bryan Casey, a former physician 
of Middletown, surgeon of the 20th Conn. Regiment. 

93. Portrait of Gen. William H. Russell, native of Middle- 
town, late of New Haven. 



94- Ten-skilling piece, Danish-American, 1816. 

95. Tin baker for fire-place. 

96. Old mortar and pestle. 

97. Old brass kettle. 

98. Crane for fire-place. 

99. Wall map of Middletown, 1851. 

100. Large hair trunk. 

101. Small hair trunk. 

102. Old-fashioned wall candlestick. 

103. Illustrated map of Andersonville Prison. 

104. Foot-stove from old Stow house, Middlefield. 

105. Iron skillet used by the grandmother of Mrs. Geo. N. 
Ward of Middletown. 

106. Old soup tureen and ladle. 

107. Old china platter. 

108. Covered basket, which belonged to Mrs. Samuel Mather,, 
grandmother of Mrs. W. B. Hubbard. 

109. Large old clothes basket. 

no. Old bandbox with picture of New York City Hall on 
cover. 

in. Steelyards. 

112. a, b, c. Three fire buckets stored for years in the loft 
of the Middlesex County National Bank. 

113. a, b. Two fire buckets owned by Capt. Henry Louis 
de Koven of Middletown. 

114. a, b. Two fire buckets from estate of Charles A. 
Boardman of Middletown. 

115. Fire bucket owned by Mrs. Sarah S. Spencer, who 
in 1824 built and occupied the house now 208 Washington 
Street, Middletown. 

116. a, b, c. Fire buckets. 

117. Small hair trunk. 

118. Old waffle iron. 

119. Candle mould. 

120. a, b. Fluid lamps. 

121. Engraving of Henry Clay. 

122. Office doorplate of Dr. Wm. Bryan Casey. (See No. 92.) 

123. a, b, c. Whiskey flasks. 1850. 

124. Small steelyards, made in Middletown. 



125. Combination knife, fork, and spoon. 

126. Framed copy of Declaration of Independence. 1818. 

127. Picture of Henry Clay Work, poet of the Civil War. 

128. a, b. Hetchels. 

129. a, b, c, d, e. Reel. 

130. Portrait of Fanny Harrison of North Branford, sister 
of Captain Harrison of war of 181 2. 

132. Photograph of old Court House, Middletown, demol- 
ished 1893. 

133. Painting by Benjamin P. Elliott, who lived on the 
corner of Court and Pearl Streets, Middletown. 



The following articles are from the collection of Mr. Charles 
H. Neff of Portland: 



134 



Reel. 



135. Old cow-bell. 

136. Fire tongs. 

137. Old hand-made shears. 

138. Very old tinder box. 

139. Pot hook, to lift pots or kettles. 

140. Two weaver's shuttles. 

141. Powder horn. 

142. Hank of bleached linen thread. 

143. Skein of white linen yarn. 

144. Two hanks of unbleached spun flax. 

145. Hank of unbleached linen thread. 

146. Roll of sheep's wool. 

147. Old foot-stove. 

148. Piece of wood from the keel of a ship unearthed in 
Front Street, New York, in 1S93. The ship is claimed to have 
been an English transport, which brought troops and ammuni- 
tion to this country in the French Colonial Wars, and which 
was sunk in New York harbor about 1733. 

149. Swingling knife, used for beating flax. 

150. Rapier, 31-inch blade. 

151. Rapier and sheath. 

152. Flint-lock picked up on the battlefield of Yorktown, 
Va., about 1850. 



153- Pair of worsted hetchels over ioo years old. 

154. Iron crane, owned by great-grandfather of Charles A. 
Pelton of Middletown. From Aunt Philinda Pelton House, 
Penfield Hill, Portland. 

155. Old barometer and thermometer, once belonging to 
the Overton family, Portland. 

156. Old iron toaster. 

157. Revolving gridiron with receptacle for fat. 

158. String of eight old spools. 

159. Old Dutch axe brought over in early days. Uncovered 
when ploughing. 

160. Small old pair of candle snuffers. 

161. Old clasp knife of odd form. 

162. Brass candlestick. 

163. Old style bullet mould. 

164. Pair of creepers, used for walking on ice. 

165. Iron snuffers and tray. 

166. Thirty-one chipped flints, made for the flint-lock mus- 
kets used in the old militia companies. 

167. Sword with sheath. A relic of the Spanish-American 
War. 

168. Hetchel for cleaning flax or hemp. 

169. Three cannon balls and shell found in an old house in 
Portland. 



170. a, b. Two U. S. Army pistols, manufactured in Middle- 
town by Simeon North in what is now the factory of the 
Rockfall Woolen Co. 

171. Photograph of John A. Sumner, an artist of Middle- 
town, August 4, 1825-December 10, 1899. 

172. Photograph of Gen. Wm. H. Noble of Bridgeport, born 
Aug. 18, 1813, in Middletown. 

173. Photograph of Col. Henry C. Shumway, 7th Regt., 
N. Y., native of Middletown. 

174. Three hickory net needles, used in repairing shad nets. 
Found in garret of old Atkins house, South Main Street, 
Middletown. 

175. Photograph of the medal given to all surviving three- 
months men in the Civil War. 



176. Piece of hand-made clap-board taken from Central 
Hotel, Meriden, built in 1752, removed in 1890. 

177. Plan and specifications of Woodward House, built by 
Samuel Stearns, corner of Broad and Court Streets, Middletown. 

178. Gentleman's sword, which belonged to Capt. Hubbard 
Fuller, Moodus. 

179. a, b. Two military hats worn by members of Mans- 
field Guard, 6th Regt. Conn. Militia. 

180. Bayonet sheath with canvas belt, said to have been 
used in the Mexican War. 

181. Bayonet found in digging sewer in northern part of 
Middletown, 1908. 

182. Artillery pike found in ruins of Wilcox & Crittenden 
factory, built in 1808, burned 1907. 

183. Forty-pound shot that killed Charles C. Pollard at 
Spring Hill, Va., in the Civil War. 

184. Folio containing 30 photographs of celebrated paint- 
ings and places in Europe, and several local views. 

185. Framed letter to Philip Mortimer from trustees of the 
First Church, tendering him a church sitting in appreciation 
of his donation of a burying-ground for the use of the people 
of the city. 

186. Toll sign from Middletown-Portland bridge, made free 
1908. 

187. Pre-Revolutionary sign from Dan Cheney's tavern, 
Portland. Masonic emblems are painted on one side, and a 
schooner on the other. 

188. Cane and banner from dedication of stone bridge, 
Hartford. 

189. a, b. Two astral lamps. 

190. a, b, c, d. Four military hats. 

191. Old toasting iron. 

192. a, b, c. Three Indian stone weapons. 

193. Pair of old beaded moccasins. 

194. Old iron shovel. 

J 95- Old-fashioned travelling bag. 

196. Flip iron. 

197. Eleven colored military pictures. 

198. Advertising sign of Joseph T. Bell, manufacturer of 
military caps and belts, New York. 



30 

199- Office sign of E. W. N. Starr, town clerk in Middle- 
town for thiry-eight years. 

200. Silk banner of Mattabesett Division of Sons of Tem- 
perance. 

201. Facsimile of Judge's warrant for execution of Charles I. 

202. Facsimile of Connecticut Charter of 1662, obtained of 
Charles II. by Gov. Winthrop. 

203. Facsimile of autographs of original officials of first 
Government of Colony of Connecticut (1639), comprising the 
towns of Dorchester, Newtowne, and Watertown, soon after 
called Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield, respectively. 

204. Facsimile of autographs of the first Government of the 
Colony of Connecticut (1665), after the union of the colonies 
of Connecticut and New Haven. 

205. African spear-head made by natives. 

206. Hand-wrought African knife. 

207. Pair of white openwork stockings, knit about 1850 by 
Mrs. Maria Bishop. 

208. Knapsack of Mansfield Guard. 

209. Musket used by Gilbert Bailey of Middletown in the 
Mexican War. 

210. A chair owned and used by Pres. Washington in New 
York. 



The following have been added to the Society's collection 
during the past year: 

211. Old door lock, found in the Eagle Hall Block. 

212. Small sampler. 

213. Musket made in Middletown in 1833, by Nathan Starr. 
Found in the Eagle Hall Block. 

214. Framed letter of Daniel French to his mother. French 
was a native of Berlin, Conn. He was a high-grade mechanic 
and especially interested in steam engines and their use in 
steamboats. It seems probable that Fulton and Livingston 
employed him to build the " Enterprise" and to equip it with 
one of his engines. 

215. Small baud-box, made in imitation of those in use by 
ladies about 70 years ago. 



31 

2i6. Spool of sewing-silk bought during the Civil War of 
Mr. James H. Taylor, a merchant tailor doing business on Main 
Street. Cost fi. 37. 

217. Photograph of Mr. George H. Bishop. Born in Middle- 
town, June nth, 1831, died on August 19th, 1909. A well- 
known civil engineer and one of the best authorities on 
hydraulic engineering in the country. 

218. Old spectacles in case. 

219. Badge of the Harrison and Tyler political campaign. 

220. Model of a privateer, which was commanded by Capt. 
William Van Deursen, grandfather of Miss M. M. Van Deursen, 
during part of the Revolutionary War. The model was made 
from a single block of wood by Capt. Van Deursen's nephew, 
Charles Francis. 

221. Three silhouettes. Of Mrs. Richard Hubbard, Edward 
C Hubbard, and a relative. 

222. Framed photograph of Mr. Walter B. Hubbard, a 
charter member of the Middlesex County Historical Society, 
leader of the Membership and House Committees, to whom is 
due much of the present attractiveness of the Society's rooms. 

223. Old-fashioned stiletto. 

224. Search Warrant with signature of Jabez Hamlin, first 
Mayor of Middletown. Served at the instigation of Robert 
Hubbard on November 24th, 1774. 

225. Flint-lock pistol, made in Middletown 1844, by J. D. 
Johnson. One of the last of this kind made. 

226. Cups and saucer of " Bristol " ware. Belonged to Gen. 
Dusk who served in the Revolutionary War. 

227. Platter of " Davenport " ware. Belonged to Gen. Lusk. 

228. Eight nails from a house one hundred and fifty years 
old, known as the Congregational Mission House of Middle 
Haddam. 

229. Sword of Ithamar Pelton, grandfather of William 
Walter Pelton of Cromwell and of Dr. J. A. Pelton, formerly 
of Middletown. 

230. Watch carried through the Civil War by Dumont 
Ripley Carey, step-grandson of Judge Hezekiah Ripley of 
Windham, Conn. 

231. Yale diploma of Judge Hezekiah Ripley of Windham, 
Conn. 1764. 



232. Hour glass. 

233. Spinning wheel. 

234. Reel. 

2 35« Cord and tassel used in the old First Church on Main 
Street. 

236. A round table from the estate of George H. Hulburt. 

237. Old high-back rocking chair. 

238. Old sofa formerly the property of Edward A. Russell. 



The Society has a library of 1,845 volumes and 477 
pamphlets, many old newspapers, letters, deeds, and 
other records of historic value. One hundred and 
twenty-nine books and pamphlets have been presented 
during the past year. Mansfield Post, G. A. R., of 
Middletown, has presented the Society with its large 
collection of relics of the Civil War. The Society also 
has in its keeping many articles loaned by the owners, 
notably a collection of curious old wearing apparel 
and fine embroideries, and a number of oil portraits. 



u 



THE FIRST DECADE 

OF THE 

MIDDLESEX COUNTY 
HISTORICAL SOCIETY 

MIDDLETOWN, CONNECTICUT 



1901-191 1 



The 

Middlesex County Historical Society 

Address of the President, the Rev. Azel W. Hazen, D. D., on the 

First Decade of the Society, Report of the Secretary, Mr. Edward 

H. Wilkins, and Report of the Treasurer, Mr. Richard C. 

Fagan, as presented at the Annual Meeting held in 

the Society's Building, Middletown, Conn., April 

eighteenth, Nineteen hundred and eleven; 

also a list of the Officers and Members 

and Articles owned by the Society 

and Exhibited in its Building 




PAMPHLET NO. 9 MAY, 1911 



MIDDLETOWN, CONN. 

PELTON & KING, PRINTERS AND BOOKBINDERS 

1911 






OBJECTS DESIRED 
FOR THE SOCIETY'S ARCHIVES 



Pamphlets, handbills, letters, diaries, 
deeds, wills, records of religious societies, 
business houses, etc. 

Old newspapers (bound or unbound), 
reports of anniversaries of towns and 
churches, books, articles of household 
use, uniforms, costumes, etc. 

Portraits, badges, medals, flags, guns, 
swords, Indian and war relics, historic 
china or plate, furniture and other mem- 
orials representing local or national 
history. 



(X. 



iUN 8 1911 



(Utje Jurat S?raite 

of tljp 

- HitJililpHrx (fomntu. l^tatortral ^oroiij 



AMtrraa nf ti|r Prfatbrnt 



It was ten years ago this eighteenth day of April 
that the charter of this Society was granted by the 
legislature of the commonwealth. It therefore seems 
appropriate that a bare outline of the progress of the 
decade should be drawn on this occasion. As the 
Society is no longer an experiment, but an honorable 
institution in the life of Middletown and of our county, 
the story of its early years must always have a peculiar 
interest for our intelligent citizens. If this story, as 
now briefly told, shall help, even in scant measure, to 
extend the influence of our organization, and to deepen 
the loyalty of our people thereto, its chief aim will be 
accomplished. 

For several years the annual reports of the president, 
the secretary, and the treasurer, have been published 
and circulated somewhat widely. Naturally, the facts 
given in the present address, with now and then its 
language, will be taken from these printed documents. 
However, it appears to be desirable to combine these 
various data in one group, that the substantial advance 
of the decade may be the more readily understood. 
Since, that material progress has been made, if not all 



which could be desired, a mere glance at the years 
under review will abundantly demonstrate. Though 
marked achievements cannot be claimed, more has 
been wrought than the most sanguine dared anticipate 
when the Society embarked on its unknown voyage. 

The movement toward the formation of this Society, 
as many of you are aware, grew out of the celebration 
of the 250th anniversary of the settlement of Middle- 
town, which was the most memorable event of the 
year 1 goo. in the history of our township. So genuine 
and widespread was the enthusiasm then awakened 
over the two centuries and a half of the town's exist- 
ence, so numerous and so priceless were the articles 
then exhibited as the possessions of our citizens, the 
feeling was quite general that a society should be 
organized, whose aim should be to preserve and to 
perpetuate the traditions of our venerable past, as well 
as to take into its custody the countless relics of other 
days that were in peril of loss, or of ruin, or of trans- 
fer to other localities, to whatever extent these might 
be committed to our guardianship. 

One of the prime movers in this commendable enter- 
prise, it is known to many of you, was Mr. Albert 
R. Crittenden, who entered heart and soul into the 
project. But for his intelligent interest in the past, 
his large public spirit, his patient persistence, his 
generous self-sacrifice, his tireless labors, and his strong 
hold of the entire town, as well as of its suburbs, it is 
safe to say that this Society would not have had its 
creditable record, even if it had come into being at all. 

Other names of those who have been pillars in our 
edifice will be mentioned in due season. At the first 
meeting of persons interested in the movement, held 



in the parlor of the Young Men's Christian Association, 
December 20, 1900, the following were present: E. P. 
Augur, G. A. Craig, A. R. Crittenden, E. G. Derby, 
E. C. Douglas, F. D. Haines, A. W. Hazen, C. B. 
Leach, A. G. McKee, D. W. Northrop, C. A. Pelton, 
W. N. Rice, F. F. Starr, J. C. Van Benschoten, W. W. 
Van Deursen, J. M. Van Vleck, C. S. Wadsworth, F. 
B. Weeks, and C. R. Woodward — nineteen in all. It 
was the unanimous judgment of these gentlemen that 
a historical society ought to be established here, and 
Messrs. Crittenden, Woodward, Starr, Haines, and Rice 
were appointed a committee to aid in the furtherance 
of the project. 

This committee reported the draft of a charter, 
which was unanimously approved January 17, 1901, 
and Messrs. Crittenden and Haines were appointed to 
present it to the legislature. The petition for the 
granting of the charter was signed by sixty-three 
citizens of Middletown, to which list sixteen names 
were added before the acceptance of the charter. This 
roll of honor contains the names of many of the leading 
men and women of our city, of whom fourteen have 
since passed from earth. 

The charter being granted, as before stated, April 
18, 1 901, it was accepted June 4, and six days later 
officers were elected and the organization thus com- 
pleted. These officers were: president, A. W. Hazen, 
vice-presidents, A. R. Crittenden and L. A. Mills; 
secretary-treasurer, J. T. Elliott. 

The first meetings in reference to the organization 
of the Society and for the perfecting of its plans were 
held in the rooms of the Young Men's Christian 
Association. Then several were held in the city court 



room, and for more than a year afterwards the parlors 
of the First Church were occupied. In the autumn of 
1903 the convenient and attractive Williams Library 
of the Berkeley Divinity School was thrown open to 
us by the courtesy of the faculty of the institution, 
one of whom, Dr. Samuel Hart, the president of the 
Connecticut Historical Society, has been an invaluable 
member of our own from its early days, being a 
sagacious counsellor and a willing helper, always 
attending our meetings when possible, and contribut- 
ing not a iittle to their profit. 

The librarian of Wesleyan University showed us 
much kindness in the period of our wandering by 
cheerfully furnishing us an alcove in which to deposit 
our books and pamphlets as they came to us. Other 
treasures were stored here and there by the hospitality 
of our friends for many mouths. 

At the annual meeting in April, 1903, Mr. H. C. 
Whittlesey was chosen secretary, Mr. Elliott having 
resigned the office. At the next meeting the office of 
treasurer was separated from that of secretary, and 
Mr. Elliott was elected to fill the same. At the meet- 
ing in February, 1904, it was announced that the 
general committee on the celebration of the 250th 
anniversary of the founding of Middletown had voted 
to transfer its records and funds to this Society for 
safe keeping. It was agreed to accept the trust, and 
also the oversight of the permanent memorial boulder, 
near the site of the first house of worship in the town. 
Mr. W. B. Hubbard, to whose keen interest in our 
history and cultivated taste the splendid monument 
was largely due, was appointed its special guardian. 
For some years after the successful commemoration of 



our two hundred and fifty years it was hoped that its 
proceedings might be gathered up into a volume for 
preservation and circulation. The first delay was 
caused by the failure of Dr. John Fiske to transmit 
to us the manuscript of his address on the occasion, 
considerably amplified, as he gave us reason to expect 
he would do. But death overtook him with this 
avowed purpose unfulfilled. Other obstacles to the 
preparation and issuing of a suitable printed memorial 
of this noteworthy anniversary arose, till perhaps the 
time for it has now gone by. Yet, that a compendious 
and an accurate history of Middletown is greatly to be 
desired there can be no question. The possibility of 
such a work lessens constantly as the years go by. 
Oh that we had some citizen with the leisure, the 
knowledge, the judgment, the literary skill, and the 
sympathetic loyalty to our traditions, to trace the 
record of this ancient township and its environs, for 
ourselves and those who come after us. 

The principal event of our history in 1904 was the 
raising of an endowment fund of $6,000. Mr. William 
W. Wilcox, one of the intelligent and high-minded 
citizens of Middletown, a short time before his lamented 
death, offered to give the Society $2,000 towards a 
building for its home, on condition that $4,000 more 
should be secured by the end of 1903. So sincere was 
he in his proposition that he had it inscribed in his 
last will and testament, that we might be the more 
certain to avail ourselves thereof. And when many 
obstacles prevented our meeting the terms of the pro- 
posed gift, his executors generously lengthened the 
time suggested by him an entire twelvemonth, thereby 
making it possible for us to realize the earnest wish of 



our distinguished friend. The committee having the 
matter of raising this sum in charge found that people 
were not willing to subscribe money for a building 
unless the Society was sure of an income adequate to 
meet its annual outlays. Hence, with the consent of 
the heirs of Mr. Wilcox, it was agreed to appeal for 
$4,000 towards an endowment. This amount was 
pledged before the close of the year, thus placing the 
Society upon a more solid foundation. The names of 
the donors, fifty-three in all, are inscribed in our 
records, with the sums given affixed to them. They 
include not only prominent citizens of our own town, 
but also liberal-minded residents of adjoining towns, 
particularly of Middlefield and Portland. All honor 
to them, for thus aiding to equip an institution which, 
with wise management and ever increasing resources, 
may be a genuine boon to our county. 

At the annual meeting of the Society in April, 1905, 
it was voted to authorize the executive committee to 
appoint an assistant secretary, and later Miss Alice M. 
Hotchkiss was secured for this position. In May, not 
to trespass too long upon the hospitality of the Berkeley 
Divinity School, and that we might have room for our 
enlarging library, it was decided to rent two rooms on 
the second floor of the Masonic Building on Court 
Street. Thus for two years the public meetings of the 
Society were held in the commodious and attractive 
Williams Library, thereby laying us under lasting 
obligation to the Divinity School for housing a home- 
less wanderer so willingly and so comfortably. The 
first meeting in the new quarters was in July, 1905. 
But these rooms, so contracted and unsuited to our 
needs, were not destined to be a permanent abiding 



place. On the 20th of April, 1906, the president 
received a communication from Mrs. Margaret Sill 
Hubbard, offering to present to the Society her ances- 
tral homestead for its use as headquarters for its 
gatherings and its possessions. The offer also included 
the services of a janitor for the space of one year or 
longer. This magnanimous proposal was accepted by 
a rising vote of the thirty-two members who were 
present at a special meeting on May first. At the 
next regular meeting, May 15, Messrs. W. B. Hubbard, 
H. C. Whittlesey, and W. F. Burrows were appointed 
a house committee, for the oversight of the structure 
thus put into the Society's hands. Later Mrs. W. B. 
Hubbard and Miss Mariana Townsend were added to 
this committee. 

The formal transfer of the property was made soon 
after its acceptance by the Society, and possession was 
at once given. Our archives and our other treasures 
were directly deposited and arranged in the various 
rooms of this edifice, so that they can now be readily 
inspected and cared for. The rich collection of war 
relics, which had been previously given to us, though 
still kept in the Russell Library, was moved to our 
upper rooms, where they are so disposed as to appear 
to excellent advantage. Numerous additions have since 
been made to this invaluable department, while many 
articles have been placed in it as loans. The sincere 
gratitude of the Society is due to the collectors of this 
interesting museum for their generous transfer of it 
to us. 

Such was the liberality of our large-hearted bene- 
factress that she was not content with presenting to 
us this capacious house with its ample grounds, but 



10 

her gift included carpets, curtains, book-cases and 
books, pictures, and fixtures, all of value to us. Coal 
for the next two seasons, and the repainting of the 
exterior of the house the following summer, were also 
contributed by her ever-open hand. Not a few costly 
volumes had come to our shelves from her before this 
principal donation. In short, we had learned to regard 
Mrs. Hubbard as the patron saint of our organization, 
and we do not cease to deplore her untimely loss to us 
and to the community of which she was so useful a 
member. The beautiful tablet erected to her memory 
in the autumn of last year by individuals in our Society 
is a fitting recognition of her unfailing loyalty to us. 

Our first meeting in these rooms was held June 19, 
1906, since which time all our meetings have been here, 
with the exception of one held in Saybrook, September 
29, 1908, in conjunction with the Middlesex Conference 
of Congregational Churches, to commemorate the two 
hundredth anniversary of the framing of the Saybrook 
Platform. One of the papers on this memorable occa- 
sion was read by a member of our Society whom we 
delight to honor, Dr. Samuel Hart, and the other by 
a native of our county, Dr. Llewellyn Pratt. This 
precedent was so entirely successful as to justify our 
meeting at other historic spots, should the way open 
for us. 

At the regular meeting in December, 1906, the resig- 
nation of Mr. Elliott as treasurer was read, and a com- 
mittee was appointed to confer with him, with the hope 
that he might be induced to continue in the office. 
He could not be prevailed upon to change his purpose 
to retire, so that at the next meeting his resignation 
was accepted. Mr. Elliott had been from the first one 



11 

of our most zealous members, being deeply interested 
in our aims, and working heartily to help us realize 
them, so that in his withdrawal we lost a valued and 
an efficient member. At the next annual meeting Mr. 
George A. Craig was chosen to fill the vacancy. 

Near the end of the year 1906, also, an arrangement 
was made with the Wadsworth Chapter of the Daughters 
of the American Revolution, in accordance with which 
they were to have the exclusive use of the two east 
rooms on the first floor of this house, together with the 
use of the other rooms at the time of their public meet- 
ings. This agreement is still in force, though with 
some change in its conditions. Many of the gather- 
ings of this worthy Chapter are held under this roof, 
and it is a pleasure to us to feel that our excellent 
facilities are employed for purposes so high as those of 
this conspicuous organization. Whatever develops 
interest in our history as a nation, and the spirit of 
loyalty to our institutions is in line with the ideas on 
which our own Society is founded. We cannot but 
wish there were also in Middletown a strong branch 
of the Sons of the American Revolution. 

In addition to the meeting of the Society in Say brook, 
to which reference has before been made, the year 1908 
was marked by the death of one of our charter mem- 
bers, who had devoted no little time and labor to our 
welfare, Mr. Walter B. Hubbard. An estimate of his 
character and services to us is contained in pamphlet 
No. 6 of our publications. Suffice it to say here, that no 
member of this Society was better qualified by lineage, 
by native gifts, and by training, to further all our en- 
deavors than Mr. Hubbard. Loyal as he was to his 
birthplace and his kindred, schooled as he was in all 



12 

that refined knowledge so essential to the prosperity 
of an institution like this, ready as he was to give his 
careful thought, his cultivated talents, and his energetic 
efforts, to our upbuilding, his loss was an irreparable 
one to us. 

The last days of the same year were shadowed by 
the illness and death of Mrs. Margaret Sill Hubbard, 
who had contributed so materially to our progress. 
Our pamphlet No. 7 has a brief appreciation of her, 
especially in her relations to us, while the comely tablet 
in our hall will long abide as a testimonial of our grati- 
tude for her eminent favors to us, as well as of our 
profound sense of loss in her departure from earth 
when in the full tide of her sympathetic munificence 
to us and to our community. The year 1908 also took 
from us Mr. Thomas M. Durfee, Mr. James H. Bunce, 
and Mr. Clarence E. Bacon, the last two of whom were 
among our original members, and all of whom were 
men whose names were an honor to our roll, and whom 
the city could poorly afford to spare. 

At the annual meeting in 1909, Mr. Richard C. 
Fagan was chosen treasurer, in place of Mr. George 
A. Craig, whose many other duties compelled him to 
relinquish the office. In December of this year the 
Society was called to mourn the loss of the Hon. Josiah 
Meigs Hubbard, whose sturdy character, whose ripe 
wisdom, and whose able papers, had been a source 
of strength to us. During the summer of this year 
Miss Alice Hotchkiss, the accomplished assistant sec- 
retary, resigned, as she was soon to be absent from the 
city, and Miss Frances Pelton was obtained as her suc- 
cessor. Miss Hotchkiss filled the position with rare 
fidelity and skill, and her services were highly prized 



13 

by those who knew their worth. Her successor is 
revealing peculiar qualifications for the work she has 
in hand. 

The visit of the President of the United States, the 
Honorable William H. Taft, to our city in November, 
1909, will long be remembered by our Society by 
reason of its special relation to us. The George Wash- 
ington Chair, which is one of our priceless treasures, 
seemed to be the only one in Middletown suited to the 
massive form of the President. It was occupied by 
him during the day of the inauguration of Dr. William 
Arnold Shanklin as President of the University. It 
now wears a silver plate commemorative of this pleas- 
ing fact, as well as of its original ownership. 

The first month of 19 10 was darkened by the sudden 
death of Miss Jennie M. Clarke, also one of our charter 
members, a contributor to our permanent fund, and a 
frequent donor of books, pamphlets, and pictures to our 
collection. She was often at our meetings, and she re- 
joiced in all tokens of prosperity which the Society 
exhibited. A fuller notice of this unusual woman is 
printed in pamphlet No. 8 of our documents. 

At the annual meeting of the last year, Mr. H. C. 
Whittlesey, who had been the faithful secretary since 
1903, felt compelled by a pressure of other obligations 
to decline a reelection. This fact caused genuine 
regret to all our members. Mr. Whittlesey, by his 
ability, his education, liberal through varied studies 
and wide experience in travel and residence in other 
lands, by his social position, his genial bearing, and 
his finished penmanship withal, was exceptionally 
qualified to be the secretary of this organization. He 
had proved himself to be the ideal man for the office, 



u 

having been a leading factor in raising the Society to 
its present standing. Many arguments and much per- 
suasion were brought to bear upon him to change his 
purpose, but without avail. A month later, after a 
thorough canvass of the situation, the Society deemed 
itself fortunate in securing the consent of Mr. E. H. 
Wilkins to fill the vacancy, and he was unanimously 
elected in Ma3 r . In the same month Dr. Hart and the 
President represented the Society as delegates to an 
Arbitration and Peace Congress in Hartford. 

On July the fourth last, the rooms of the Society 
were opened to the public for the first time, for a Recep- 
tion from the hour of ten in the morning to that of 
four in the afternoon. 

The large number of persons passing through them 
on this occasion, nearly two hundred, the surprise and 
satisfaction they expressed in view of what riches we 
already possess, led to the conviction that we must 
arrange as soon as possible for frequent visits to our 
home. We are here not for ourselves, but for the 
people of our own time, and for those who come after 
us. The more intimate acquaintance our citizens have 
with us, the more likely they will be to ally themselves 
with us, and to place in our keeping those relics of the 
past which it is our desire to obtain for preservation 
and for exhibition. 

Two of our members died since our last annual meet- 
ing, Mrs. Horace F. Boardman and Cephas Brainerd, 
Esq. Next to the estate of Mr. Wilcox, Mrs. Board- 
man was the largest contributor to our endowment 
fund, and she always took a deep interest in our pro- 
ceedings. A native of Middletown, she rejoiced in 
whatever aided its advancement. Her heart was 



15 

capacious, leading her to multitudes of beneficent 
deeds known to few besides herself. Her too early 
departure created a void in our city which will not 
soon be filled. 

Mr. Brainerd, though in the practice of law in New 
York, kept his summer home in Haddam, the place of 
his birth, for which he cherished the fondness of a 
loyal son. He sent a number of books to our Society, 
and occasionally wrote us about others which we 
might have a wish to purchase. He gave us one 
entertaining address upon "Some Lawyers and Cases 
in Middlesex County." In the midst of an engrossing 
profession, he found time for self -culture and for 
philanthropic labors, especially in connection with the 
Young Men's Christian Associations of the world, for 
whose grand work he had a warm regard. 

Our Society has to-day 1 1 1 members, eleven of 
whom are life-members. It has nearly 1900 volumes 
in its library, some of which are of inestimable value. 
Its pamphlets are above 500, a few of which are very 
rare. It has published only eight pamphlets of its 
own, all of which pertain to its history and its posses- 
sions. It is looking forward to the day when it may 
be able to issue some of the papers which are read 
before it, many of which are extremely valuable and 
altogether worthy of seeing the light. Ninety meet- 
ings have been held in the decade, at which a quorum 
of at least seven has been present. The president has 
been absent from only five of these. Only five meet- 
ings have been called at which a quorum was lacking. 
The average attendance at our business meetings has 
been about twelve, while that at the public meetings 
has been not far from twenty-five. Addresses have 



16 

been given at sixty-eight of our meetings, many of 
them by persons of eminence in the commonwealth. 
For instance, three have been given to us by the 
present governor of the State, and one by a former 
governor. Professors Woolsey and Smith, of Yale 
University, have each given us two papers, Dr. Hart 
five, Dr. Dutcher four, Professor Winchester one, 
Hon. Josiah M. Hubbard two, Albert R. Crittenden 
one, F. F. Starr one, President Luther and Professor 
Gettell, of Trinity College, one each, Dr. Charles 
Ray Palmer, of New Haven, and Dr. Kdwin Pond 
Parker, of Hartford, one each, the Rev. Joseph 
Hooper, of Durham, two, Professor Curtis M. Geer, 
of the Hartford Seminary, one, and Ex-Governor 
Coffin one. These persons and many others, here and 
elsewhere, have rendered us willing and acceptable 
service along differing lines of research. Man}- of 
their productions were such as our citizens rarely have 
an opportunity to hear, so that the Society confers no 
small benefit upon them in bringing addresses so not- 
able within their reach. 

Thus, far too hurriedly and too imperfectly told, 
runs the story of . the first decade of the Middlesex 
County Historical Society. Begun as an experiment, 
its future is no longer doubtful. Begun in weakness, 
it has developed manly strength. Begun as a hope, it 
is now an actual and a promising reality. 

It has long been the desire of your president to lay 
down the burden, accepted temporarily at the outset, 
but carried for the decade. Nothing but the kind 
pressure of his friends prevents him from now asking 
to be released. The evident success of the Societ} 7 
thus far is by no means his success. It is that of the 



members who have stood by our enterprise with zeal 
so unflagging and courage so heroic. It would be 
pleasant to recite the names of all, but just recogni- 
tion, beyond that already accorded to several, should 
be made of the helpful services of Governor Weeks and 
Mrs. Weeks, of Mr. W. H. Burrows and his brother, 
of Mr. F. F. Starr, of Mr. C. A. Pelton, of Mr. J. H. 
Sage, of Mr. C. S. Wadsworth, of Mr. W. W. Wilcox, 
of Miss Lyman, of Miss Gilman, of Mrs. W. B. Hubbard 
and Miss Towusend on the house committee, of Miss 
Roberts and Miss Selden, all of whom, and many 
others, have manifested their fidelity to us by their 
words and their deeds. Thanks, manifold, to all who 
have enlisted under our banner. It will soon be the 
lot of others to carry it, and we cannot think they will 
allow it to go down. 



g>ubjprtH of A&&rraHPB mnbt to thr ^nrtrtg 

Will} tl]rtr Batrs, ano thr Nantra of ttjrtr Authors 



The Work and Plans of an Historical Society, December 17, 
1901: Professor Samuel Hart, D. D., D. C. L., of the Berkeley 
Divinity School. 

Roger Sherman, February 18, 1902: Hon. Simeon E. 
Baldwin, LL. D., New Haven. 

The Work and Needs of an Historical Society, April 22, 
1902: Dr. Hart. 

Manufacture of and Payment for the Gen. Andrew Jackson 
Sword, June 17, 1902: Mr. Frank F. Starr, Middletown. 

The Part of Women in Founding Oxford and Cambridge 
Universities, October 21, 1902: the Rev. Lewis W. Hicks, 
Wellesley, Mass. 



18 

Dr. Leonard Bacon, January 20, 1903: the Rev. Joseph 
Anderson, D. D., Waterbury. 

Some of the Causes that led to the War of 1812, February 17, 
1903: the Rev. Richmond Fisk, D. D., Middletown. 

Connecticut in the Revolution, March 17, 1903: the Rev. 
Joseph Hooper, Durham. 

The Case of the First Elijah Hubbard and the Brig Mary, 
April 21, 1903: Hon. Elijah K. Hubbard, Middletown. 

The Navigation of Connecticut River, May 19, 1903: the 
Rev. William D. Love, Ph. D., Hartford. 

Abigail Adams, Wife of the Second President of the United 
States, June 16, 1903: Miss Anna L. Smith, Middletown. 

Dolly Madison, Wife of the Fourth President, October 20, 
1903: Mrs. Edward B. Van Vleck, Middletown. 

Connecticut Gore Land Company, November 17, 1903: Mr. 
Albert C. Bates, Hartford. 

Commodore MacDonough and the War of 1812, January 19, 
1904: Miss Emma C. Gilman, Middletown. 

Stephen Decatur, February 16, 1904: Professor Charles H. 
Smith, LL. D., Yale University. 

The Diary of a Colonial Churchman, March 15, 1904: Mrs. 
Elmer G. Derby, Middletown. 

Address by the President, April 19, 1904. 

The Investigation of the Star Route Frauds, May 17, 1904: 
P. Henry Woodward, Esq., Hartford. 

A Tory Trail, October 18, 1904: the Rev. Edward O. 
Grisbrook, Poquonnock. 

Patrick Henry, November 15, 1904: Miss Anna L. Smith, 
Middletown. 

Kepler, December 20, 1904: President Flavel S. Luther, 
LL. D., Trinity College. 

The State of Franklin, February 21, 1905: Professor Curtis 
M. Geer, Ph.D., Hartford Theological Seminary. 



19 

Old Letters and Manuscripts, March 21, 1905: Mr. Charles 
E. Jackson, Middletown. 

Address by the President, April 18, 1905. 

The Life and Work of Thomas Hooker, May 16, 1905: Judge 
Epaphroditus Peck, Bristol. 

The Battle of Bunker Hill, October 17, 1905: Col. Francis 
Parsons, Hartford. 

The Last Years of the Colony of Connecticut, November 21, 
1905: Mr. Benjamin P. Adams, Wesleyan University. 

Connecticut during the Revolution, December 19, 1905: Mr. 
William G. Murphy, Jr., Wesleyan University. 

Benjamin Franklin, the Man and his Work, January 16, 1906: 
Professor George M. Dutcher, Ph. D., Wesleyan University. 

The Meigs Family in America, March 20, 1906: Hon. Josiah 
M. Hubbard, Middletown. 

Yale College in Saybrook, April 17, 1906: Dr. Hart. 

The Career of Gideon Welles, 1802-1878, November 20, 1906: 
Mr. Henry B. Learned, M. A., New Haven. 

The Origin of Place Names in Connecticut, December 18, 
1906: Professor William E. Mead, Ph. D., Wesleyan University. 

The American Historical Association and its Work, January 
I 5, 1907: Professor Dutcher. 

Two Centuries and a Half of Farm Life in Middletown, 
April 16, 1907: Hon. Josiah M. Hubbard. 

The Hudson Bay Company, May 21, 1907: Professor Theodore 
S. Woolsey, LL.D., Yale University. 

The Development of Public Libraries within the Bounds of 
the Old New Haven Colony, illustrated, June 18, 1907: Profes- 
sor Henry M. Whitney, of the Blackstone Library, Branford. 

Connecticut, 1789-1809, October 15, 1907: Mr. Ernest A. 
Inglis, Wesleyan University. 

Connecticut in Pennsylvania, November 19, 1907: Judge 
Baldwin. 



John Greenleaf Whittier, December 17, 1907, the hundredth 
anniversary of his birth: Professor Caleb T. Winchester, 
L. H. D., Wesleyan University. 

The History of the Common Schools of Connecticut, January 
21, 1908: Dr. Hart. 

The Rev. Eleazar May, Pastor in Haddam from 1756 to 1S03, 
February 18, 1908: the Rev. Bert F. Case, Middle Haddam. 

The Enlightened Despotism, a Study of Europe in the Days 
of the War for American Independence, March 17, 1908: Pro- 
fessor Dutcher. 

Henry Clay Work, His Life and Writings, April 21, 1908: 
Mr. Samuel W. Loper, M. A., Curator of the Museum of Wes- 
leyan University. 

A History of Immigration to the United States, May 19, 1908: 
Professor Raymond G. Gettell, Trinity College. 

Some Lawyers and Cases in Middlesex County, October 20, 
1908: Cephas Brainerd, Esq., New York. 

Noah Webster, November 17, 1908: Mr. William R. Cross, 
of the Hartford Courant. 

The Currency of our Fathers, December 15, 1908: Hon. 
Albert R. Crittenden, Middletown. 

Edgar Allan Poe, January 19, 1909, the hundredth anniver- 
sary of his birth: Professor Robert H. Fife, Jr., Ph.D., Wes- 
leyan University. 

The Religious Character of Abraham Lincoln, February 16, 
1909, Professor Smith, of Yale University (read by the President 
of the Society). 

The Rev. Thomas L. Shipman, March 16, 1909: Arthur L. 
Shipman, Esq., Hartford. 

Address by the President, April 20, 1909. 

The Old Farmington Canal, May 18, 1909: Julius Gay, Esq., 
Farmington. 

William Hooke, the First Pastor and Teacher of the First 
Church in New Haven, October 19, 1909: the Rev. Charles 
R. Palmer, D. D., New Haven. 



The Gentler Aspects of Puritan Life, December 21, 1909: the 
Rev. Edwin P. Parker, D. D., Hartford. 

Fitch, French, and Fulton, illustrated, February 22, 1910: 
Ex-Governor O. Vincent Coffin, LL. D., Middletown. 

The Seal of Connecticut, March 15, 1910: Judge Baldwin. 

Address by the President, April 19, 1910. 

The Children, Manners, and Customs of Old New England, 
May 17, 1910: Mrs. J. William Bailey, Middletown. 

The Achievements and Death of George Augustus, Lord 
Viscount Howe, 1724-1758, June 21, 1910: the Rev. Joseph 
Hooper, Durham. 

Lydia Buckland, a Colonial Dame of the Seventeenth Cen- 
tury, October 18, 1910: Francis Parker, Esq., Hartford. 

An American Vasari, November 15, 1910: Professor Woolsey. 

Some Early Glimpses of Hartford, December 20, 1910: Dr. 
Hart. 

An Old New Haven Engraver and his Work, January 17, 
191 1 : the Rev. William A. Beardsley, New Haven. 

George Washington, February 21, 1911: Professor Dutcher. 

Negro Slavery in Connecticut, March 21, 191 1 : Mr. Frederick 
C. Norton, Bristol. 

The above is a list of man}* prominent names in the 
commonwealth. Not a few of the topics discussed by 
them were timely, and of practical value. The Society 
has surely been highly honored by the persons who 
have appeared before it with their words of instruction 
and inspiration. Several of the papers presented to 
the Society are already in its archives, either in manu- 
script or in print. It is hoped that others may come 
into its possession in due season. 



&?tt?tat#s Annual l&tpatt 



To the President and Members of the Society: 

In accordance with our by-laws, I beg to submit 
the Secretary's annual report for the year ending 
April 1 8, 191 1. 

MEETINGS 
Regular monthly meetings of the Society have been 
held throughout the year, with the exception of the 
months of July, August, and September. The meet- 
ings have all been held at the Society's building, 
corner of Union and Crescent Streets; and at the close 
of the business session of each of these meetings, a 
paper of local or general interest was presented. In 
the address of the President, published on preceding 
pages, will be found a list of the dates, subjects, and 
speakers. 

MEMBERSHIP 

The total membership is one hundred and eleven, or 
two less than it was one year ago. 

Two new members were admitted during the year, 
while three former members have died and one has 
resigned. 

PUBLICATIONS 

Pamphlet No. 8, being the annual report of the 
officers, uniform with the preceding numbers. 



GENERAL 

During the year, a number of gifts, consisting of 
books, pamphlets, maps, letters, documents, engrav- 
ings, etc., have been presented to the Society. All 
such are recorded in the Accession Register. A card 
catalogue of books and pamphlets is in process of 
compilation. 

The demand for more shelving has been partially 
met by the construction of an open cabinet of large 
capacity, especially designed for the storage of news- 
papers and books. 

During the 3^ear, the memorial tablet to the late 
Mrs. Margaret Sill Hubbard has been completed and 
set in place in the Society's building. The tablet is 
remarkable for its beauty of design and finish, and is a 
fitting form of memorial to the generous benefactress 
of this Society. Great credit is due Rev. A. W. Hazen, 
Mr. Wm. H. Burrows and Mrs. W. B. Hubbard, the 
committee who had this matter in charge. 

E. H. Wilkins, Secretary. 



(foaaurer'a Annual SUpnrt 



APRI L 17. 1911 



Richard C. Fagan, Treasurer, in account with 

The Middlesex County Historical Society: 

Dr. 

To balance April 16, 1910, ------ $267 29 

To dues collected, - - 177 00 

To rent received from Wadsworth Chapter, D. A. R., 50 00 
To contribution received for Margaret Sill Hubbard 

Memorial Fund, ------- 62 00 

To coupons, St. Louis, Iron Mountain, and Southern 

R. R., 80 00 

$636 29 
CR. 

By expenses of speakers, - $5 00 

By historical books, - - 3 00 

By coal and wood, ------- 100 

By gas, - - - - - - - - - 4 2 5 

By water, - - - - - - - -.- 10 00 

By repairs to building, ------ 31 77 

By clerical work, ------- 4 50 

By postage and stationery, ----- 17 50 

By printing, - 58 50 

By furnishings and supplies for house, - 31 85 

By street sprinkling, - - - - - - - 9 15 

By Win. H. Burrows, account Margaret Sill Hubbard 

Memorial, -------- 193 00 

By balance, cash in First National Bank, - - - 266 77 

$636 29 



Investments 
2 bonds, St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern R. R. 

Co., - $2,000 00 

*2 bonds, Buffalo & Susquehanna R. R. Co., - - 2,000 00 

Cash in Middletown Savings Bank, - I ,397 62 

Cash in Farmers and Mechanics Savings Bank, - 839 35 

Cash in Freestone Savings Bank, Portland, - - 840 37 



',077 34 



* The Buffalo & Susquehanna Railroad Co. have defaulted 
interest on the bonds owned by this Society. The said bonds, 
on recommendation of the finance committee of the Society 
have been deposited with the Equitable Trust Co. of New 
York under a reorganization agreement. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Richard C. Fagan, Treasurer. 



Examined and found correct. 

Wm. J. deMauriac, Auditor. 
April 17, 1911. 



Wf&ttVB 



ELECTED APRIL 18, 1911 



PRESIDENT 

Azel W. Hazen, Middletown 

VICE-PRESI DENTS 

Albert R. Crittenden, Middletown 

John H. Sage, ------- Portland 

SECRETARY 

Edward H. Wilkins, Middletown 

TREASURER 

Richard C. Fagan, Middletown 

executive committee 
The President, The Secretary, 

The Vice-Presidents, The Treasurer, 

Samuel Hart, Middletown 

Frank F. Starr, - Middletown 

George M. Dutcher, ----- Middletown 

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE 

Heman C. Whittlesey, Middletown 

Charles A. PelTon, ------ Middletown 

Edwin P. Augur, - Middletown 

Frank F. Starr, - - . - - - - Middletown 

Wilbur F. Burrows, Middletown 



27 

FINANCE COMMITTEE 

William H. Burrows, Middletown 

Wallace K. Bacon, Middletown 

John H. Sage, ------- Portland 

HOUSE COMMITTEE 

Frank B. Weeks, Middletown 

Wilbur F. Burrows, ------ Middletown 

Heman C. Whittlesey, ----- Middletown 

Mrs. Walter B. Hubbard, - Middletown 

Miss Mariana Townsend, - Middletown 

AUDITOR 

William J. deMauriac, ----- Middletown 



ICtfr-Hmbera 



Hon. Albert R. Crittenden, - 
Mrs. Albert R. Crittenden, - 
Rev. Azel W. Hazen, D. D., 
Mrs. Azel'W. Hazen, 
Mrs. Walter B. Hubbard, 
William G. Mather, 
Heman C. Whittlesey, B. A., - 
Mrs. Heman C. Whittlesey, - 
Mrs. William W. Wilcox, 
Mrs. William W. Wilcox, Jr., 
William W. Wilcox, B. A., 



Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Cleveland, O. 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 



ifflemberB 



Joseph W. Alsop, ------ Simsbury 

Edwin P. Augur, ------ Middletown 

Samuel Babcock, ' - - - - - - Middletown 

Wallace K. Bacon, Middletown 

Abner A. Bevin, ----- East Hampton 

Judson B. Brainerd, ----- Portland 

William B. Brewer, ----- Middletown 

Robert BroaTch, - - Middletown 

Mrs. James H. Bunce, ----- Middletown 

James H. Bunce, ------- Middletown 

Robert W. Burke, - - - Middletown 

Eugene H. Burr, - - - Middletown 

Wilbur F. Burrows, ------ Middletown 

William H. Burrows, • - - - - Middletown 

Dale D. Butler, ------ Middletown 



J. Francis Calef, M. D., Middletown 

\V. Harry ClEMONS, M. A., - - - Princeton, N. J. 
Edward S. Coe, ------- Cromwell 

Ex-Governor O. Vincent Coffin, LD. D., - Middletown 
Augustus H. Conklin, - East Hampton 

George A. Craig, ------ Middletown 

Charles W. Cramer, ----- Portland 

Mrs. Charles W. Dabney, - - - Dedham, Mass. 
Eddie S. Davis, ------- Middletown 

William J. deMauriac, ----- Middletown 

Mrs. William J. deMauriac, - Middletown 

Richard L. deZeng, ------ Middletown 

Professor George M. Dutcher, Ph.D., - Middletown 

Richard C. Fagan, ------ Middletown 

Edward B. Fall, ------ Middletown 

John L. Fisk, ------- Middletown 

Henry H. Francis, ------ Middletown 

Edward A. Gladwin, Middletown 

Frederick E. Gibbons, ----- Middletown 

Ferdinand Gildersleeve, - Portland 

Oliver Gildersleeve, ----- Portland 

Miss Emma C. Gilman, ----- Middletown 

Archibald C. Goodrich, ----- Portland 

Frederick W. Goodrich, - Portland 

Robert S. Griswold, Cromwell 

James K. Guy, - - Middletown 

Hon. Frank D. Haines, ----- Middletown 

Asaph H. Hale, ------- Portland 

David A. Hall, ------- Portland 

Stephen S. Hall, ------ Portland 

Frank K. Hallock, M. D., - - - - Cromwell 

Professor Samuel Hart, D.D., D.C.L., LL.D., Middletown 

Miss Frances M. Hazen, M. A., - - - Middletown 

Lucius R. Hazen, B. A. - - - - - Middletown 

Miner C. Hazen, M. D., - - Haddam 

E. Dyer Hubbard, ------ Middletown 

Hon. Elijah K. Hubbard, - Middletown 

E. Kent Hubbard, Jr., B. A., - - - Middletown 



so 

George H. HulberT, New London 

Charles E. Jackson, Middletown 

Edward Q. Jackson, Middletown 

William J. James, M. A., ----- Middletown 

Alva H. Kelsey, ------ Middletown 

Miss Mary E. Lyman, ----- Middlefield 

Charles E. Lyman, ------ Middlefield 

Henry L. Mansfield, ----- Middletown 

Ernest A. Markham, M. D., - Durham 

Revilo C. Markham, Middletown 

Mrs. Ellen Mathewson, ----- Durham 

G. Ellsworth Meech, Middletown 

Joseph Merriam, Middletown 

Hon. Lyman A. Mills, ----- Middlefield 

William Mylchreest, Middletown 

Isaac G. Newell, Middletown 

Rev. John F. Nichols, ----- Portland 

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Northrop, Ivorytou 

Richard H. Pascall, ----- Portland 

Charles A. PelTon, ------ Middletown 

William D. Penfield, ----- Portland 

Wallace Porter, Higganum 

Albert E. Purple, Moodus 

Mrs. Susan C. Ray, . - - - - - - Middletown 

Ex-Pres. Bradford P. Raymond, D. D., LL. D., Middletown 

Professor William N. Rice, Ph.D., LL.D., Middletown 

Miss Mary P. Roberts, ----- Middletown 

Hon. Samuel Russell, ----- Middletown 

Samuel Russell, Jr., ----- Middletown 

John H. Sage, ------- Portland 

Philip Sage, ------- Portland 

Miss Emily A. Selden, ----- Middletown 

Frank C. Smith, Middletown 

Mrs. Otis A. Smith, ------ Rockfall 

Frank F. Starr, - - - - - - Middletown 

Charles O. Stone, ------ Middletown 



31 

Willis E. TERRiLL, Middletowti 

Mrs. Anna S. TiTcomb, - Springfield, Mass. 

Miss Mariana Townsend, - Middletown 

Professor John M. Van Vleck, LL. D., - Middletown 

Clarence S. Wadsworth, B. A., LL. B., - Middletown 

Henry C. Ward, ._.... Middletown 

Oliver S. Watrous, D. D. S., - - - - Middletown 

Ex-Governor Frank B. Weeks, LL. D., - Middletown 

Mrs. Frank B. Weeks, ----- Middletown 

William S. Wetherbee, ----- Middletown 

Professor Caleb T. Winchester, L. H.D., - Middletown 

Edward H. Wilkins, Middletown 



ICtst of Antrim 

GDbmpb by tiff S>oriPty anb Exbibiteb in its ffiuilbtnn 



i. Photograph of Middletown in 1868. 

2. a, b. Photograph of residence of Commodore Thomas 
MacDonough, 1819-1825, demolished in 1893, and replaced by 
the Y. M. C. A. building. 

3. Early oil painting of Middletown by Richard W. Hub- 
bard, a native of Middletown. 

4. Photographs of six historic homes in Middletown, pre- 
pared for the Jamestown Exposition, 1907. 

5. a, b, c. Photographsof old First Church on Main Street, 
Middletown. 

6. Collection of fashion-plates, 1848. 

7. Indian arrowheads, bought in 1907 at Richmond, Va. 

8. Picture of Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs of Middle- 
town, who served in the Revolutionary War. 1740-1823. 

9. Epaulettes of Billings Neff of Portland, Lieutenant of 
the 6th Regiment, Connecticut Militia. 

10. Sword and sash of Billings Neff. 

11. Framed army recruiting poster, October 24, 1861. 

12. Engraving of Lady Washington's Reception, "from 
the original picture in possession of A. T. Stewart, Esq." 

13. Ke3' to No. 12. 

14. Picture of Wolcott Huntington of Norwich, Conn., who 
married Jane E. Watkinson of Middletown, whose home was 
on Main Street. 

15. Warrant for arrest of Caesar, Negro, for " Prophane 
vSwearing, threatening and contemptuous language." February 
20th, 1787. 

16. Faith, Hope, and Charity at the tomb of Washington. 

17. Pencil sketch of Captain Aldeti Partridge, aged 40, and 
of the American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy, 
Middletown, 1826. 



33 

i8. Camp chair made from wood of old elm tree under 
whose branches the first settlers of Middletown commenced 
their worship, which was the foundation of the First Church. 

19. Photograph of Joseph W. Alsop, 1804- 

20. Framed State Democratic ticket, 1839. 

21. Framed circular with sketches of lives of Democratic 
State candidates, 1839. 

22. Engraved copperplate, business card, Greenfield & 
Phelps, Middletown. 

23. Cradle from estate of the late Charles A. Boardman of 
Middletown, 1812-1907. 

24. Engraving, Daniel Webster addressing the Senate, 1850. 

25. Key to No. 24. 

26. Democratic handbill, 1838. 

27. Democratic handbill, 1839. 

28. Old engraving of Capitol at Washington. 

29. Framed Middletown Daily News, November 14, 1850. 

30. Framed Middlesex Gazette, May 13, 1809. 

31. Old engraving, Last Days of Webster at Marshfield. 

32. Genealogy of the Washington family. 

33. Framed contract drawn by Washington. 

34. The will of Mary Washington. Framed printed copy. 

35. Lock of Washington's hair, given by his servant, Hamet 
Achmet, to Mrs. S. A. Hart of Middletown in 1840. 

36. Oil portrait of Jonathan Barnes, Esq., 1789-1861. 

37. Picture of the Charter Oak. 

38. Confederate button. 

39. Foot-stove, 1780. 

40. Picture of John D. Dickinson, 1768-1841, Congressman 
from New York. 

41. Photograph of Dr. Charles Woodward of Middletown, 
1 799-1870. 

42. Photograph of Charles R. Woodward of Middletown, 
1832-1904. 

43. Photograph of Henry Woodward of Middletown, 1838- 
1907. 

44. Photograph of John Hubbard Watkinson. 

45. Framed manuscript list of contributors to fund for 
enclosing burial ground, now Riverside Cemetery, Middle- 
town, 1815. 



46. Old illustrated design of Life and Ages of Man. 

47. Old picture of Rome. 

48. Parsonage on High Street, near head of College Street, 
Middletown, owned and occupied by Rev. Enoch Huntington, 
pastor of the First Church, 1762-1809. Painted by Miss Mar- 
garet M. Van Deursen. 

49. Picture of Daniel Webster. 

50. Painting of house of Rev. William Russell, pastor of 
the First Church, 1715-1761. 

51. Landscape by John A. Sumner of Middletown, died 1899. 

52. Landscape by John A. Sumner. 

53. Poster of Hartford, Providence and Boston Mail Line 
of Post Coaches. 

54. Illuminated parchment and seal. 

55. Old round table. 

56. Portrait of Dr. Joseph Barratt, a native of England, 
Professor of Botany, Chemistry, and Mineralogy in the A. L. 
S. and M. Academy at Norwich, Vt., and Middletown from 
1S24-1828, afterwards practising physician in Middletown. 

57. Photograph of Main Street, Middletown. 

58. Portrait of Isaac Hubbard of Middlefield. 

59. Photograph of Gen. Samuel Holden Parsons' house, 
Main Street, Middletown, foot of Church Street, built by 
Constant Kirtland, 1753, demolished 19 — . 

60. Engraving of Nehemiah Hubbard of Middletown, in 
his 83rd year. 1 752-1837. 

61. Old mantel clock. 

62. Piece of Charter Oak. 

63. Miniature Liberty Bell. 

64. Pipe and case belonging to Dr. John Dickinson, Middle- 
town, 1730-1811. 

65. New England Society button from Portland Exposition, 

1905- 

66. Massachusetts button from Portland Exposition, 1905. 

67. John Winthrop button, from New London celebration, 
1906. 

68. Powder horn, once owned by Julius Andrews of East 
Haddam, and said to have been used in the Indian Wars and 
the Revolution. 



69. Confederate five-dollar bill. 

70. Ring made from wood of Charter Oak. 

71. Medal to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 
death of Thomas Robbins, D. D. Presented by the Connecti- 
cut Historical Society. 

72. Medal from the Jamestown Exposition, 1907. 

73. Key of front door of old Court House in Middletown, 
demolished 1893. 

74. a, b. Keys of Town Clerk's office in old Court House 
in Middletown, demolished 1893. 

75. a, b. Signs of Isaac Webb, Attorney-at-Law, who once 
conducted a school on High Street, in the building now known 
as Webb Hall of VVesleyan University. 

76. Spinning wheel. 

77. Reel for skeining woolen yarn. 

78. Old kettle crane. 

79. Baker shovel, used for drawing bread, etc., from old 
brick oven. 

80. Pistol, made in Middletown, 1862, by Alsop Arms Co. 

81. Clock weight from Gen. Parson's house. (See No. 59.) 

82. One-dollar bill of Central National Bank, Middletown, 
Nov. 17, 1851, bearing signatures of Henry D. Smith, Cashier, 
and Charles Woodward, President. 

83. Flint-lock fowling piece. 

84. String of antique sleigh bells. 

85. Complete old appliance for making cheese. 

86. Runlet, or wooden drinking bottle. 

87. Three silver-plated buttons formerly worn by the 
Partridge Cadets and recently excavated on the grounds of 
Wesleyan University. 

88. Old embroidered cloth bag. 

89. Medal of The Father Mathew Temperance Society. 

90. Exhibition case of plane irons, made by E. W. N. Starr 
&Co. 

91. Daguerreotype of Rev. John R. Crane, D. D., pastor of 
the First Church of Middletown, 1818-1853. 

92. Picture of Dr. Wm. Bryan Casey, a former physician 
of Middletown, surgeon of the 20th Conn. Regiment. 

93. Portrait of Gen. William H. Russell, native of Middle- 
town, late of New Haven. 



36 

94- Ten-skilling piece, Danish- American, 1816. 

95. Tin baker for fireplace. 

96. Old mortar and pestle. 

97. Old brass kettle. 

98. Crane for fireplace. 

99. Wall map of Middletown, 1851. 

100. Large hair trunk. 

101. Small hair trunk. 

102. Old-fashioned wall candlestick. 

103. Illustrated map of Andersonville Prison. 

104. Foot-stove from old Stow house, Middlefield. 

105. Iron skillet used by the grandmother of Mrs. Geo. N. 
Ward of Middletown. 

106. Old soup tureen and ladle. 

107. Old china platter. 

108. Covered basket, which belonged to Mrs. Samuel 
Mather, grandmother of Mrs. W. B. Hubbard. 

109. Large old clothes basket. 

no. Old bandbox with picture of New York City Hall on 
cover. 

in. Steelyards. 

112. a, b, c. Three fire buckets stored for years in the loft 
of the Middlesex County National Bank. 

113. a, b. Two fire buckets owned by Capt. Henry Louis 
de Koven of Middletown. 

114. a, b. Two fire buckets from estate of Charles A. 
Boardman of Middletown. 

115. Fire bucket owned by Mrs. Sarah S. Spencer, who in 
1824 built and occupied the house now 208 Washington Street, 
Middletown. 

116. a, b, c. Fire buckets. 

117. Small hair trunk. 

118. Old waffle iron. 

119. Candle mould. 

120. a, b. Fluid lamps. 

121. Engraving of Henry Clay. 

122. Office doorplate of Dr. Wm. Bryan Casey. (See No. 92.) 

123. a, b, c. Whiskey flasks. 1850. 

124. Small steelyards, made in Middletown. 

125. Combination knife, fork, and spoon. 



37 

126. Framed copy of Declaration of Independence. 1818. 

127. Picture of Henry Clay Work, poet of the Civil War. 

128. a, b. Hetchels. 

129. a, b, c, d, e. Reel. 

130. Portrait of Fanny Harrison of North Branford, sister 
of Captain Harrison of war of 1812. 

132. Photograph of old Court House, Middletown, demol- 
ished 1893. 

133. Painting by Benjamin P. Elliott, who lived on the 
corner of Court and Pearl Streets, Middletown. 

The following articles are from the collection of Mr. Charles 
H. Neff of Portland: 

134. Reel. 

135. Old cow-bell. 

136. Fire tongs. 

137. Old hand-made shears. 

138. Very old tinder box. 

139. Pot hook, to lift pots or kettles. 

140. Two weaver's shuttles. 

141. Powder horn. 

142. Hank of bleached linen thread. 

143. Skein of white linen yarn. 

144. Two hanks of unbleached spun flax. 

145. Hank of unbleached linen thread. 

146. Roll of sheep's wool. 

147. Old foot-stove. 

148. Piece of wood from the keel of a ship unearthed in 
Front Street, New York, in 1893. The ship is claimed to have 
been an English transport, which brought troops and ammuni- 
tion to this country in the French Colonial Wars, and which 
was sunk in New York harbor about 1733. 

149. Swingling knife, used for beating flax. 

150. Rapier, 31-inch blade. 

151. Rapier and sheath. 

152. Flint-lock picked up on the battlefield of Yorktown, 
Va., about 1850. 

153. Pair of worsted hetchels over 100 years old. 

154. Iron crane, owned by great-grandfather of Charles A. 
Pelton of Middletown. From Aunt Philinda Pelton house, 
Penfield Hill, Portland. 



38 

155- Old barometer and thermometer, once belonging to 
the Overton family, Portland. 

156. Old iron toaster. 

157. Revolving gridiron with receptacle for fat. 

158. String of eight old spools. 

159. Old Dutch axe brought over in early days. Uncovered 
when ploughing. 

160. Small old pair of candle snuffers. 

161. Old clasp knife of odd form. 

162. Brass candlestick. 

163. Old style bullet mould. 

164. Pair of creepers, used for walking on ice. 

165. Iron snuffers and tray. 

166. Thirty -one chipped flints, made for the flint-lock mus- 
kets used in the old militia companies. 

167. Sword with sheath. A relic of the Spanish-American 
War. 

168. Hetchel for cleaning flax or hemp. 

169. Three cannon balls and shell found in an old house in 
Portland. 



170. a, b. Two U. S. Army pistols, manufactured in Middle- 
town by Simeon North in what is now the factory of the 
Rockfall Woolen Co. 

171. Photograph of John A. Sumner, an artist of Middle- 
town, August 4, 1825-December 10, 1899. 

172. Photograph of Gen. Wm. H. Noble of Bridgeport, born 
Aug. 18, 1813, in Middletown. 

173. Photograph of Col. Henry C. Shumway, 7th Reg., 
N. Y., native of Middletown. 

174. Three hickory net needles, used in repairing shad nets. 
Found in garret of old Atkins house, South Main Street, 
Middletown. 

175. Photograph of the medal given to all surviving three- 
months men in the Civil War. 

176. Piece of hand-made clapboard taken from Central 
Hotel, Meriden, built in 1752, removed in 1890. 

177. Plan and specifications of Woodward House, built by 
Samuel Stearns, corner of Broad and Court Streets, Middletown. 



178. Gentleman's sword, which belonged to Capt. Hubbard 
Fuller, Moodus. 

179. a. b. Two military hats worn by members of Mans- 
field Guard, 6th Regt. Conn. Militia. 

180. Bayonet sheath with canvas belt, said to have been 
used in the Mexican War. 

181. Bayonet found in digging sewer in northern part of 
Middletown, 1908. 

182. Artillery pike found in ruins of Wilcox & Crittenden 
factory, built in 1808, burned 1907. 

183. Forty-pound shot that killed Charles C. Pollard at 
Spring Hill,Va., in the Civil War. 

184. Folio containing 30 photographs of celebrated paint- 
ings and places in Europe, and several local views. 

185. Framed letter to Philip Mortimer from trustees of the 
First Church, tendering him a church sitting in appreciation 
of his donation of a burying-ground for the use of the people 
of the city. 

186. Toll sign from Middletown-Portland bridge, made free 
1908. 

187. Pre-Revolutionary sign from Dan Cheney's tavern, 
Portland. Masonic emblems are painted on one side, and a 
schooner on the other. 

188. Cane and banner from dedication of stone bridge, 
Hartford. 

189. a, b. Two astral lamps. 

190. a, b, c, d. Four military hats. 

191. Old toasting iron. 

192. a, b, c. Three Indian stone weapons. 

193. Pair of old beaded moccasins. 

194. Old iron shovel. 

195. Old-fashioned travelling bag. 

196. Flip iron. 

197. Eleven colored military pictures. 

198. Advertising sign of Joseph T. Bell, manufacturer of 
military caps and belts, New York. 

199. Office sign of E. W. N. Starr, town clerk in Middle- 
town for thirty-eight years. 

200. Silk banner of Mattabesett Division of Sons of Tem- 
perance. 



40 

201. Facsimile of Judge's warrant for execution of Charles I. 

202. Facsimile of Connecticut Charter of 1662, obtained of 
Charles II. by Gov. Winthrop. 

203. Facsimile of autographs of original officials of first 
Government of Colony of Connecticut (1639), comprising the 
towns of Dorchester, Newtowne, and Watertown, soon after 
called Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield, respectively. 

204. Facsimile of autographs of the first Government of the 
Colony of Connecticut (1665), after the union of the colonies 
of Connecticut and New Haven. 

205. African spear-head made by natives. 

206. Hand-wrought African knife. 

207. Pair of white openwork stockings, knit about 1850 by 
Mrs. Maria Bishop. 

208. Knapsack of Mansfield Guard. 

209. Musket used by Gilbert Bailey of Middletown in the 
Mexican War. 

210. A chair owned and used by Pres. Washington in New 
York. 

211. Old door lock, found in the Eagle Hall Block. 

212. Small sampler. 

213. Musket made in Middletown in 1833, by Nathan Starr. 
Found in the Eagle Hall Block. 

214. Framed letter of Daniel French to his mother. French 
was a native of Berlin, Conn. He was a high-grade mechanic 
and especially interested in steam engines and their use in 
steamboats. It seems probable that Fulton and Livingston 
employed him to build the "Enterprise" and to equip it with 
one of his engines. 

215. Small band-box, made in imitation of those in use by 
ladies about 70 years ago. 

216. Spool of sewing-silk bought during the Civil War of 
Mr. James H. Taylor, a merchant tailor doing business on Main 
Street. Cost $1.37. 

217. Photograph of Mr. George H. Bishop. Born in Middle- 
town, June nth, 1831, died on August 19th, 1909. A well- 
known civil engineer and one of the best authorities on 
hydraulic engineering in the country. 

218. Old spectacles in case. 



41 

219. Badge of the Harrison and Tyler political campaign. 

220. Model of a privateer, which was commanded by Capt. 
William Van Deursen, grandfather of Miss M. M. Van Deursen, 
during part of the Revolutionary War. The model was made 
from a single block of wood by Capt. Van Deursen's nephew, 
Charles Francis. 

221. Three silhouettes. Of Mrs. Richard Hubbard, Edward 
C. Hubbard, and a relative. 

222. Framed photograph of Mr. Walter B. Hubbard, a 
charter member of the Middlesex County Historical Society, 
leader of the Membership and House Committees, to whom is 
due much of the present attractiveness of the Society's rooms. 

223. Old-fashioned stiletto. 

224. Search Warrant with signature of Jabez Hamlin, first 
Mayor of Middletown. Served at the instigation of Robert 
Hubbard on November 24th, 1774. 

225. Flint-lock pistol, made in Middletown, 1844, by J. D. 
Johnson. One of the last of this kind made. 

226. Cups and saucer of "Bristol" ware. Belonged to Gen. 
Lusk, who served in the Revolutionary War. 

227. Platter of "Davenport" ware. Belonged to Gen. Lusk. 

228. Eight nails from a house one hundred and fifty years 
old, known as the Congregational Mission House of Middle 
Haddam. 

229. Sword of Ithamar Pelton, grandfather of William 
Walter Pelton of Cromwell and of Dr. J. A. Pelton, formerly 
of Middletown. 

230. Watch carried through the Civil War by Dumont 
Ripley Carey, step-grandson of Judge Hezekiah Ripley of 
Windham, Conn. 

231. Yale diploma of Judge Hezekiah Ripley of Windham, 
Conn. 1764. 

232. Hour glass. 

233. Spinning wheel. 

234. Reel. 

235. Cord and tassel used in the old First Church on Main 
Street. 

236. A round table from the estate of George H. Hulbert. 

237. Old high-back rocking chair. 

238. Old sofa formerly the property of Edward A. Russell. 



The following have been added to the Society's collection 
during the past year: 

239. a, b. Quaint leghorn hat formerly the property of 
Miss Emily Tracy. Band-box of old fashioned style formerly 
in family of Mrs. A. W. Hazen. 

240. "Flip" glass, formerly the property of Col. John 
Sumner who died in 1787, aged 51 years. 

241. Dutch oven, formerly belonged to Mrs. Clarissa Birdsey 
of Middletown. 

242. a, b, c. Three antique trays, formerly belonged to 
Mrs. Clarissa Birdsey of Middletown. 

243. Photograph of Jonathan Kilbourn, for many years the 
proprietor of the Farmers and Mechanics Hotel, Middletown. 

244. Photograph of Benjamin Butler, a native of Cromwell, 
for many years a sail-maker on Water Street, Middletown. 

245. Photograph of Gen. James T. Pratt of the State Militia, 
a native of Middletown. 

246. Old fashioned spectacles. 

247. Badge of member of Committee on First Settlers worn 
by Frank F. Starr at 250th Anniversary of settlement of town 
of Middletown. 

248. a, b, c, d. Badge of Aid at the Centennial Anniver- 
sary of Middletown, 1884, worn by E. W. N. Starr. Also three 
other badges used on same occasion. 

249. Framed photograph of Josiah Meigs Hubbard, a native 
and resident of Middletown, 1832-1909. 

250. Old style straw bonnet. 

251. Framed photograph of Brig. Gen. Joseph King Fermo 
Mansfield, U. S. A. For many years a resident of Middletown. 

252. Antique hunting knife found on the farm of Dr. Miner 
C. Hazen of Haddam, Conn. 

253. Framed photograph of Horace Clark, ninth mayor of 
Middletown. 

254. Musket balls found on the battlefield of Saratoga, 
about 1840 by E. W. N. Starr. 

255. Framed lithograph of old Middletown, which had 
hung in the office of Meech & Stoddard, since 1870. 

256. Engraving of the Charter Oak, from the original paint- 
ing, formerly in the possession of Hon. Marshall Jewell of 
Hartford. 



257- Photograph of the Gen. Samuel Holden Parsons' house, 
1783-1786. Built by Constant Kirkland in 1783. Torn down 
in 19 — . 

258. a, b. Framed photograph of Elijah Hubbard Roberts 
and his wife, Emily Pratt Roberts. 

259. Picture with signature and other handwriting of Gen. 
L. E. Spinner, Treasurer of United States. 

260. Silhouette of Dr. Joseph Barratt (see also 56). 

261. Medal and badge, commemorating the unveiling of 
statue of Gov. Buckingham, Hartford, 1884. 

262. Photograph of Oliver Beebe of Akron, Ohio, born in 
Middletown, September, 1810. 

263. Badge of Connecticut Historical Society, commemor- 
ating Field Day at New London and Groton, 1895. 

264. a, b. Medal of Middletown City Centennial, 1884. 
Medal of 250th Anniversary of settlement of Middletown, 1900. 

265. Medal of Centennial of the battle of Groton Heights, 
1881. 

266. Medal of Centennial of the inauguration of Washington 
as first President of United States. 1889. 



The Society has a library of 1,871 volumes and 526 
pamphlets, many old newspapers, letters, deeds, and 
other records of historic value. One hundred and 
twenty-nine books and pamphlets have been presented 
during the past year. Mansfield Post, G. A. R., of 
Middletown, has presented the Society with its large 
collection of relics of the Civil War. The Society also 
has in its keeping many articles loaned by the owners, 
notably a collection of curious old wearing apparel 
and fine embroideries, and a number of oil portraits. 



♦ ♦ l|tHtortral Swtftg ♦♦ 

Pamplf Irt Na. 1 May 1912-13 



Addresses of the President, the Rev. Azel 
W. Hazen, D. D., Reports of the Secretary, 
Mr. Edward H. Wilkins, and Report of 
the Treasurer, Mr. John H. Sage, as pre- 
sented at the Annual Meetings held in the 
Society's Building, Midc 1 ;town, Connecticut, 
April 16, 1912, and April 15, 1913; also a 
list of the Officers and Members and of 
Articles owned by the Society and exhibited 
in its Building. .... 



Local history is the ultimate substance 

of national history. There could be no 

epics were pastorals not also true, — no 

patriotism, were there no homes, no 

neighbors, no quiet round of civic duty: 

and I, for my part, do not wonder that 

scholarly men have been found not a 

few who, though they might have shone 

upon a larger field, where all eyes would 

have seen them win their fame, yet chose 

to pore all their lives long upon the blurred 

and scattered records of a country-side, 

where there is nothing but an old church 

or an ancient village. The history of a 

nation is only the history of its villages 

written large. 

— Woodrow Wilson. 



1911 



®ije 4HftM?s?x (Sautthj Ijtstnnral ^nneiij 

Afcurrss nf the ^rpBt&mt, 1912 



The address of the President one year ago gave so full 
a sketch of the Society's first decade that a formal 
paper by him is hardly called for at this time. Yet a 
few notes concerning our deceased members may not 
be out of place. The number whom death has claimed 
the last year is four. 

Miss Mary Pratt Roberts died October 16, at the 
age of 77 years. While only about one-third of her 
life was spent in this city, at two different periods of 
residence, she was very fond of Middletown, and 
greatly pleased to pass her last days here. She took a 
deep interest in the history of the town, and was a 
frequent donor to our Society. After her departure, 
there came to us by her wish a most remarkable piece 
of tiling fiom the tower of Nanking, China, dating 
from the 15th century. 

Mrs. Otis A. Smith died at Rockfall Nov. 25, at the 
age of 71. She had been one of our members less 
than two years, thus having had scant opportunity to 
exhibit her feeling toward us. Yet she revealed her 
public spirit in many ways, not the least of which was 
in uniting herself to this organization. Mrs. Smith 
was a woman much esteemed in the community where 
her lot was cast. 



It would be a source of strength to us if we had 
more members from other towns in the county. 

Mr. Henry H. Francis died February 10, 191 2, at the 
age of 64. He was born in Wethersfield, but had 
been in this city for nearly twenty years. Before 
coming here he had been for fourteen years connected 
with the firm of Ezra Clark & Co., in Hartford, 
dealers in iron and steel. With others he organized 
the Middlesex Rubber Co. in 1893. Later this was 
changed to the Omo Manufacturing Co. This was 
reorganized in 1898, with Mr. Francis as manager. 
In 1 90 1 he became its President and Treasurer. His 
relation to this Society was hardly more than nominal, 
as in recent years his health was not firm; but he 
showed his friendliness by continuing one of our 
members. 

Mr. Lucius Randolph Hazen died March 21, 191 2, 
at the age of 64 years. Born in Berlin, Vermont, he 
was graduated from Dartmouth College in 1870, and 
near the end of that year he came to Middletown, soon 
becoming a clerk in the bookstore of George G. McLean. 
Later, in connection with Mr. John A. Sumner, he 
purchased the business, and the two carried it on for 
some years. Then he gained the entire control of the 
store, which he held till his lamented death. The 
testimonials to his rare character, and his eminent 
services to the community have been numerous and 
unqualified. His loyalty to this Society was shown by 
his frequent contributions to its library of books and 
pamphlets of no little value. Naturally his loss to the 
President is irreparable, and it is not too much to say 
that his going creates a vacancy in the town which it 
will not be easy to fill. 



Auurrss of thr Prraiornt 1913 



Of the seven meetings of the Society since the last 
annual meeting, only one was lacking in a quorum for 
business. Yet it must be confessed that the business 
has been transacted by a small percentage of the mem- 
bers. The Society has about seventy resident male 
members, or, if we count those living in Portland and 
Cromwell as residents, as with our means of communi- 
cation it is proper to do, the number goes up to nearly 
ninety. Now, if its constituency felt a deep interest 
in the work of the organization, its business would not 
be transacted by one-eighth, or, at best, one-seventh of 
its membership. Yet we are assured that this is true 
of most kindred organizations. Can anything be done 
to make our Society an exception to the ordinary rule ? 
If so, a vigorous attempt should be made, and that 
speedily. 

The average attendance at the public gatherings has 
been not far from three times that on the business 
meetings, but few members have been at the one who 
were not at the other. Certainly there has been no 
lack of genuine value in the papers read, some having 
been of an exceptionally high order. Our rooms are 
attractive, though not quite central. Our collection of 
objects of great interest is large for our age, and its 
value increases steadily from mouth to month. 

What, then, can be done to rally a larger number of 
those on our roll to the more active support of our 



work ? For one thing, we should all speak more 
frequently of this institution to those whom we meet 
regularly or casually. We should report its doings 
more fully in conversation, and in the press. 

Again we should aim to secure new members, some 
of a younger grade, that there may be fresh life in our 
ranks. 

Again, if it is not possible to enlarge our income by 
an increased membership, we should endeavor to do it 
by securing an ampler endowment. If we were able to 
open our rooms more often, so that they might be more 
frequently visited by our citizens, as well as by 
strangers, a deeper interest in the Society would 
surely be developed. This wider knowledge of our 
treasures would doubtless lead to their increase in a 
more rapid ratio than at present. 

Further, if we were able now and then to publish 
some of the important papers which are read to us, and 
give them an extensive circulation, it would widen our 
influence. 

This Society must grow in the estimation of the 
public, or it will inevitably decline. An institution 
cannot prosper without advance, any more than an 
individual. Progress is the law of all healthy life. 

The subjects presented to us the last year have been 
of more than ordinary timeliness and value. The 
mere list of them given by the secretary shows some- 
thing of their nature, yet a few words of characteriza- 
tion may be appropriate. 

The paper by Dr. Hart on ' ' The Fundamental 
Orders and Charter of Connecticut," it is needless to 
say, was scholarly and instructive, marked by his 



genuinely historic spirit and careful accuracy. Dr. 
Davenport's essay on "A Summer in a Historic Country 
Town " was charming in its manner, its style of com- 
position, and its delivery, giving us a vivid picture of 
Hebron in its glory. Professor James spoke of " The 
Supreme Court and the Constitution of the United 
States " in a manner which revealed much thought and 
painstaking research. His paper was most pertinent 
in its bearing on certain novel theories just now 
advocated. 

Professor Geer, of the Hartford Seminary, set before 
us a clear view of the ' ' Development of the Balkan 
Peninsula," a subject which was then foremost in the 
thoughts of multitudes the world over. Mr. Clark 
defended the character of Silas Deaue in a vivid address 
which is soon to be issued in the form of a book. Miss 
Townsend read to us a large portion of the ' ' Diary of 
Margaret Dwight," being the record of a journey to 
Ohio in 1810, a document considered of so real an 
importance that it has recently been printed by Yale 
University, with warm commendation from its Profes- 
sor of American History, Dr. Max Farrand. Profes- 
sor Dutcher, to whom we owe so much, at our last 
meeting brought before us "Some Neglected Phases 
of New England History," in a manner which led us 
to feel more deeply than ever the vast influence of New 
England in the development of the nation. We are 
most fortunate in having so accomplished a student of 
history among our members. 

Death has removed three of our number during 
the last twelvemonth — Oliver Gildersleeve, Wallace 
Porter, and John M. Van Vleck. 



Mr. Gildersleeve died in Portland July 26, 191 2, at 
the age of sixty-eight. A full and carefully prepared 
sketch of his busy life has been added to our archives. 
This shows him to have been a man of indomitable 
energy, and of a wide breadth of interests. Belonging 
to a family of famous shipbuilders, which has .sent out 
from its yard over one hundred vessels, small and 
large, his chief interest centered in this industry. Yet 
he was an important factor in other projects, especially 
such as contributed to the prosperity of his native 
town. His active brain did not permit him to be idle. 
One of his latest efforts for the public welfare was in 
connection with the Thames Women's College at New 
London, of which he was one of the incorporators. 
Though not often at our meetings, he took an intelli- 
gent interest in our Society. He was a citizen whom 
our State could ill afford to lose. 

Of Mr. Porter I have obtained no information, 
further than that he was a prosperous and a highly 
respected manufacturer in Higganum. I am not aware 
that he was ever present in our meetings. 

Professor Van Vleck was one of our foremost citi- 
zens, whose name added lustre to our roll. Born in 
Stone Ridge, N. Y., March 4, 1833, graduated at our 
University in 1850, after 1853 a much loved and 
honored instructor in his Alma Mater till within a few 
years of his lamented death, November 4, 191 2, his 
life was conspicuous for its long and efficient activity. 
He was a mathematician of national and international 
reputation, a teacher whom two generations of students 
admired and loved, a citizen cherishing a deep affection 
for the town wherein his work was mainly done, a 



Christian independent in thought, yet always loyal to 
truth as he saw it, and ever filled with the spirit of 
the Master. The memory of John Monroe Van Vleck 
will long be a priceless treasure to the University to 
whose upbuilding he devoted his noble life, and an 
inspiration to all who ever came under the spell of his 
lofty character. Our Society and our community are 
far the poorer by reason of the removal of so honor- 
able a member. 



10 



g>?rrrtanj's Annual Imports, 1912 ana 1013 

1912 

Regular monthly meetings have been held through- 
out the year, with the exception of the months of 
July, August, September, and January. 

The meetings have all been held at the Society's 
building, corner of Union and Crescent Streets; and 
at the close of the business session of each of these 
meetings, a paper of local or general interest was 
presented. Below is a list of the papers and the 
speakers, with the dates of presentation: 

April, 191 1. Rev. A. W. Hazen, President of the Society, 

"The First Decade of the Middlesex Count)- Historical 

Society." 
May, 1911. Miss Mary Lyman, of Middlefield, "Modes of 

Travel, and How the Revolutionary Army received Des- 
patches and Supplies." 
June, 1911. F. Clarence Bissell, of Hartford, "The Rev. 

Samuel Peters, of Hebron, Loyalist, his Slaves, and their 

Near-abduction. ' ' 
October, 1911. Rev. Edwin Pond Parker, D. D., of Hartford, 

" The Congregational Separatists of Connecticut." 
November, 191 1. George M. Curtis, of Meriden, "Some old 

Connecticut Silver." 
December, 191 1. Dr. Charles Downer Hazen, of Smith College, 

" DeToqueville's Travels in America, which gave rise to 

his famous Work on Democracy in America." 
February, 1912. Miss Emma Carroll Oilman, of Middletown, 

"The Diary of One of the Founders of the Connecticut 

Historical Society." 
March, 1912. Rev. Edwin Pond Parker, D. D., of Hartford, 

"Baron Steuben." 



11 



MEMBERSHIP 



The total membership is one hundred and fourteen, 
a gain of three for the year. Seven new members 
have been admitted during the year, while four former 
members have died. 



PUBLICATIONS 

Pamphlet No. 9 was published, being the annual 
report of the officers, uniform with the preceding 
numbers, excepting that it contains the address of the 
President on " The First Decade of the Society." 

GIFTS 

Gifts during the year of objects of interest other 
than books, pamphlets, and manuscripts, bring the 
total up to 280. 

These objects range from spectacles to cradles, and 
include a tablet of pottery from China. 

Gifts of books, pamphlets, manuscripts, etc., are not 
all recorded, but make the total nearly 2,450. Among 
these are about a dozen duplicate books. 

1913 

Regular monthly meetings of the Society have been 
held throughout the year, with the exception of June, 
July, August, and September. 

The meetings have all been held at the Society's 
building, corner of Union and Crescent Streets; and 
at the close of the business session of each, a paper of 
local or general interest was presented. Below is a 
list of the papers, and the speakers, with the dates of 
presentation. 



12 

April 16, 191 2. Wilbur Fisk Gordy, Ph. D., of Hartford, 
" Daniel Webster and the Constitution." 

May 21, 1912. Professor Samuel Hart, DL. D., D. C. L., 
Berkeley Divinity School, " The Fundamental Orders and 
Constitution of Connecticut." 

October 15, 1912. Rev. John G. Davenport, D. D., of Water- 
bury, "A Summer in a Historic Country Town." 

November 19, 1912. William J. James, M. A., Wesleyan Uni- 
versity, "The Supreme Court and the Constitution of the 
United States." 

December 17, 1912. Professor Curtis M. Geer, Ph.D., Hart- 
ford Theological Seminary, "The Development of the 
Balkan Peninsula." 

January 21, 1913. Rev. George L. Clark, Wethersfield, "Silas 
Deane, a Connecticut Statesman of the Revolution." 

February 18, 1913. Miss Mariana Townsend. Middletown, 
"Diary of Margaret Dwight, being a record of a journey 
made in 1810. " 

March 18, 1913. Professor George M. Dutcher, Ph. D., Wes- 
leyan University, "Neglected Phases of New England 
History." 

The attendance at these public meetings ranged 
from 20 to 40 persons. Many of the papers were of 
high educational value and deserving of much larger 
audiences. 

MEMBERSHIP 

Numerically the membership is the same as it was 
at the time of the last printed report in 1 9 1 1 . Since 
that date we have lost eight of our members by death, 
one member has resigned, while nine new members 
have been admitted. Total membership one hundred 
and eleven. 



13 

During the year a number of gifts have been pre- 
sented to the Society, and all such have been recorded 
in the Accession Register. 

In July Mr. Richard C. Fagan resigned the treasury- 
ship and Mr. John H. Sage was chosen to succeed 
him. 

E. H. Wilkins, Secretary. 



u 



J&xm&uxn 'b Annual iSrporl 



APRI L 15, 19 13 



John H. Sage, Treasurer, in account with 

The Middlesex County Historical Society: 

Dr. 

To cash received from Richard C. Fagan, former 

treasurer, July 19, 1912, $387 72 

To rent received from Wadsworth Chapter, D. A. R., 62 50 
To coupons, St. Louis, Iron Mountain, & Southern 

R. R. bonds, ___-__- 80 00 
To cash for fuel used while artist was copying por- 
traits, --------- 10 00 

To dues for the year ending April 1, 1913, - - 163 00 

To dues for the year ending April i, 1914, - - 6 00 

To dues for the year ending April 1, 1915, - - 2 00 

To dues for the year ending April 1, 1916, - - 2 00 

Total receipts, - - - - - - -$71322 

Cr. 

By coal, ... - $149 95 

By gas, - - - - - - - -.- 6 63 

By water, --------- 5 50 

By spraying and removing trees, - 75 00 

By pruning and spraying trees in the " boulder " lot, 6 00 
By repairs to building, including plumbing and 

sewer expense, - - - - - - - 210 89 

By relaying walk on Union Street, - - - - 17 63 

By librarian expense, ------ 6 90 

By insurance, -------- 26 00 

By street sprinkling, - - ' - - - - 14 05 



15 

By printing, including postal cards, - $19 65 

By photograph of building, - 2 00 

By expense of speakers, ------ 8 25 

Total expenses, ------- $548 45 

Balance to new account (cash in First National Bank, 

Middletown), ------- 164 77 

$713 22 

INVESTMENTS 

2 bonds, St. Louis, Iron Mountain, & Southern R.R. 

Co., --------- $2,000 00 

* 2 bonds, Buffalo & Susquehanna R. R. Co., - - 2,000 00 

Cash in Middletown Savings Bank, - - - - 1,512 80 

Cash in Farmers and Mechanics Savings Bank, - 908 51 

Cash in Freestone Savings Bank, - 909 61 

$7,330 92 
Respectfully submitted, 

John H. Sage, Treasurer. 



Examined and found correct. 

Wm. J. deMauriac, Auditor. 
May 28, 1913. 



* Interest in default. 



16 



Gofers 



ELECTED APRIL. 1913 



PRESI DENT 

Azel W. Hazen, ------- Middletown 

VICE-PRESI DENTS 

Albert R. Crittenden, ----- Middletown 

John H. Sage, ------- Portland 

SECRETARY 

Edward H. Wilkins, ----- Middletown 

TREASURER 

John H. Sage, Portland 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

The President, The Secretary, 

The Vice-President, . The Treasurer, 

Samuel Hart, ------- Middletown 

Frank F. Starr, ------ Middletown 

George M. DuTcher, Middletown 

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE 

Heman C. Whittlesey, Middletown 

Charles A. PelTon, Middletown 

Edwin P. Augur, ------ Middletown 

Frank F. Starr, ------ Middletown 

Wilbur F. Burrows, - - - - - - Middletown 



17 

FINANCE COMMITTEE 

William H. Burrows, Middletown 

Wallace K. Bacon, ---... Middletown 

John H. Sage, ------- Portland 

HOUSE COMMITTEE 

Frank B. Weeks, Middletown 

Wilbur F. Burrows, Middletown 

Heman C. Whittlesey, - Middletown 

Mrs. Walter B. Hubbard, - Middletown 

Miss Mariana Townsend, .... Middletown 

AU DITOR 

William J. deMauriac, Middletown 



18 



IGtfe-iUnttfors 



Hon. Albert R. Crittenden, 
Mrs. Albert R. Crittenden, 
Rev. Azel W. Hazen, D. D., 
Mrs. Azel W. Hazen, 
Mrs. Walter B. Hubbard, 
William G. Mather, 
Heman C. Whittlesey, B. A., 
Mrs. Heman C. Whittlesey, 
Mrs. William W. Wilcox, 
William W. Wilcox, B. A., 
Mrs. William W. Wilcox, 



Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Cleveland, O. 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 
Middletown 



Joseph W. Alsop, ------ Simsbury 

Edwin P. Augur, ------ Middletown 

Samuel Babcock, ------ Middletown 

Wallace K. Bacon, ------ Middletown 

Francis A. Beach, ------ Middletown 

Abner A. Bevin, ----- East Hampton 

Judson B. Brainerd, ------ Portland 

William B. Brewer, ------ Middletown 

Robert Broatch, - - - - - - Middletown 

Mrs. James H. Bunce, - - - x - - Middletown 

James H. Bunce, ------ Middletown 

Robert W. Burke, ------ Middletown 

Wilbur F. Burrows, ------ Middletown 

William H. Burrows, ----- Middletown 

EarlE C. Butler, ------ Middletown 

Dale D. Butler, ------ Middletown 

J.Francis CalEF, M. D., ----- Middletown 

Edward S. Coe, - - - - - - - Cromwell 



19 

Ex-Governor O. Vincent Coffin, LL. D., - Middletown 

George A. Craig, ..... Middletown 

Eddie S. Davis, ------- Middletown 

William J. deMauriac, ----- Middletown 

Mrs. William J. deMauriac, - Middletown 

Richard L. deZeng, ------ Middletown 

Professor George M. Dutcher, Ph.D., - Middletown 

Richard C. Fagan, Middletown 

Mayor John L. Fisk, . Middletown 

Edward A. Gladwin, - Middletown 

Frederick E. Gibbons, ----- Middletown 

Alfred GilderslEEve, ----- Portland 

Ferdinand GilderslEEve, - Portland 

Miss Emma C. Gilman, ----- Middletown 

Frederick W. Goodrich, ----- Portland 

Robert S. Griswold, - Cromwell 

James K. Guy, --..... Middletown 

Hon. Frank D. Haines, ----- Portland 

David A. Hall, ------- Portland 

Stephen S. Hall, ------ Portland 

Frank K. Hallock, M. D., - Cromwell 
Professor Samuel Hart, D. D., D. C. L., LL. D., Middletown 

Miss Frances M. Hazen, M. A., - - - Middletown 

Rev. Homer W. Hildreth, - Cromwell 

E. Dyer Hubbard, .--... Middletown 

Hon. Elijah K. Hubbard, - Middletown 

E. Kent Hubbard, Jr., B. A., - - - Middletown 

Charles E. Jackson, Middletown 

Edward Q. Jackson, ------ Middletown 

Alva H. Kelsey, - . . Middletown 

Miss Mary E. Lyman, - Middlefield 

Charles E. Lyman, Middlefield 

Henry L. Mansfield, Middletown 

Revilo C. Markham, ---.. Middletown 



Mrs. Ellen MaThewson, ... - Durham 

G. Ellsworth Meech, .... - Middletown 

Joseph Merriam, ------ Middletown 

Hon. L,yman A. Mills, ----- Middlefield 

William MylchreEST, Middletown 

Isaac G. Newell, ------ Middletown 

Rev. John F. Nichols, ----- Portland 

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Northrop, - Ivoryton 

Richard H. Pascall, ----- Portland 

Charles A. Pelton, ------ Middletown 

Frank E. Potter, M. D., ----- Portland 

Albert E. Purple, - Moodus 

Rev. Oliver H. RaFTERY, D. D., - - - Portland 

Mrs. Susan C. Ray, -----. Middletown 
Ex-Pres. Bradford P. Raymond, D. D., IX. D., Middletown 

Professor William N. Rice, Ph. D., LL. D., Middletown 

Hon. Samuel Russell, ----- Middletown 

Samuel Russell, Jr., Middletown 

John H. Sage, ------- Portland 

Philip Sage, - Portland 

Miss Emily A. Selden, Middletown 

Miss Mary H. SELLEW, ----- Portland 

Frank C. Smith, ------ Middletown 

Frank F. Starr, ------ Middletown 

Charles O. Stone, Middletown 

Willis E. Terrill, ------ Middletown 

Mrs. Anna S. Titcomb, Boston, Mass. 

Miss Mariana Townsend, - Middletown 

Clarence S. WadsworTh, B.A., LL.B., - - Middletown 

Henry C. Ward, ------ Middletown 

Oliver S. WaTrous, D.D.S., - Middletown 

Hon. Frank B. Weeks, LL.D., - - - Middletown 

Mrs. Frank B. Weeks, Middletown 

William S. Wetherbee, ----- Middletown 

Professor Caleb T. Winchester, L.H.D., - Middletown 

Edward H. Wilkins, - - - . - - Middletown 



Utat of Arltrlra 

©hmrb by tlje &omiy an& fExhibttffl in Uh Siiilimuj 



1. Photograph of Middletown in 1868. 

2. a, b. Photograph of residence of Commodore Thomas 
Macdonough, 1819-1825, demolished in 1893, and replaced by 
the Y. M. C. A. building. 

3. Early oil painting of Middletown by Richard W. Hub- 
bard, a native of Middletown. 

4. Photographs of six historic homes in Middletown, pre- 
pared for the Jamestown Exposition, 1907. 

5. a, d, c. Photographs of old First Church on Main Street, 
Middletown. 

6. Collection of fashion plates, 1848. 

7. Indian arrowheads, bought in 1907 at Richmond, Va. 

8. Picture of Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs of Middle- 
town, who served in the Revolutionary War. 1740-1823. 

9. Epaulettes of Billings Neff of Portland, Lieutenant of 
the 6th Regiment, Connecticut Militia. 

10. Sword and sash of Billings Neff. 

11. Framed army recruiting poster, October 24, 1861. 

12. Engraving of Lady Washington's Reception, "from 
the original picture in possession of A. T. Stewart, Esq." 

13. Key to No. 12. 

14. Picture of Wolcott Huntington of Norwich, Conn., who 
married Jane E. Watkinson of Middletown, whose home was 
on Main Street. 

15. Warrant for arrest of Caesar, Negro, for " Prophane 
Swearing, threatening and contemptuous language." Feb- 
ruary 20, 1787. 

16. Faith, Hope, and Charity at the tomb of Washington. 

17. Pencil sketch of Captain Alden Partridge, aged 40, and 
of the American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy, 
Middletown, 1826. 



i8. Camp chair made from wood of old elm tree under 
whose branches the first settlers of Middletown commenced 
their worship, which was the foundation of the First Church. 

19. Photograph of Joseph W. Alsop, 1804-. 

20. Framed State Democratic ticket, 1839. 

21. Framed circular with sketches of lives of Democratic 
State candidates, 1839. 

22. Engraved copperplate business card, Greenfield & 
Phelps, Middletown. 

23. Cradle from estate of the late Charles A. Boardman of 
Middletown, 1812-1907. 

24. Engraving, Daniel Webster addressing the Senate, 1850. 

25. Key to No. 24. 

26. Democratic handbill, 1838. 

27. Democratic handbill, 1839. 

28. Old engraving of Capitol at Washington. 

29. Framed Middletown Daily News, November 14, 1850. 

30. Framed Middlesex Gazette, May 13, 1809. 

31. Old engraving, Last Days of Webster at Marshfield. 

32. Genealogy of the Washington family. 

33. Framed contract drawn by Washington. 

34. The will of Mary Washington. Framed printed copy. 

35. Lock of Washington's hair, given by his servant, Hamet 
Achmet, to Mrs. S. A. Hart of Middletown in 1840. 

36. Oil portrait of Jonathan Barnes, Esq., 1789-1861. 

37. Picture of the Charter Oak. 

38. Confederate button. 

39. Foot-stove, 1780. 

40. Picture of John D. Dickinson, 1 768-1 841, Congressman 
from New York. 

41. Photograph of Dr. Charles Woodward of Middletown, 
1 799-1870. 

42. Photograph of Charles R. Woodward of Middletown, 
1832-1904. 

43. Photograph of Henry Woodward of Middletown, 1S38- 
1907. 

44. Photograph of John Hubbard Watkinson. 

45. Framed manuscript list of contributors to fund for 
enclosing burial ground, now Riverside Cemetery, Middle- 
town, 1815. 



46. Old illustrated design of Life and Ages of Man. 

47. Old picture of Rome. 

48. Parsonage on High Street near head of College Street, 
Middletown, owned and occupied by Rev. Enoch Huntington, 
pastor of the First Church, 1762-1809. Painted by Miss Mar- 
garet M. Van Deursen. 

49. Picture of Daniel Webster. 

50. Painting of house of Rev. William Russell, pastor of 
the First Church, 1715-1761. 

51. Landscape by John A. Sumner of Middletown, died 1899. 

52. Landscape by John A. Sumner. 

53. Poster of Hartford, Providence and Boston Mail Line 
of Post Coaches. 

54. Illuminated parchment and seal. 

55. Old round table. 

56. Portrait of Dr. Joseph Barratt, a native of England, 
Professor of Botany, Chemistry, and Mineralogy in the A. L. 
S. and M. Academy at Norwich, Vt., and Middletown from 
1824-1828, afterwards practising physician in Middletown. 

57. Photograph of Main Street, Middletown. 

58. Portrait of Isaac Hubbard of Middlefield. 

59. Photograph of Gen. Samuel Holden Parsons' house, 
Main Street, Middletown, foot of Church Street, built by 
Constant Kirtland, 1753, demolished 19 — . 

60. Engraving of Nehemiah Hubbard of Middletown, in 
his 83rd year. 1 752-1 837. 

61. Old mantel clock. 

62. Piece of Charter Oak. 

63. Miniature Liberty Bell. 

64. Pipe and case belonging to Dr. John Dickinson, Middle- 
town, 1730-1811. 

65. New England Society button from Portland Exposition, 

1905- 

66. Massachusetts button from Portland Exposition, 1905. 

67. John Winthrop button, from New London celebration, 
1906. 

68. Powder horn, once owned by Julius Andrews of East 
Haddam, and said to have been used in the Indian Wars and 
the Revolution. 



6g. Confederate five-dollar bill. 

70. Ring made from wood of Charter Oak. 

71. Medal to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 
death of Thomas Robbins, D. D. Presented by the Connec- 
ticut Historical Society. 

72. Medal from the Jamestown Exposition, 1907. 

73. Key of front door of old Court House in Middletown, 
demolished 1893. 

74. a, b. Keys of Town Clerk's office in old Court House 
in Middletown, demolished 1893. 

75. a, b. Signs of Isaac Webb, Attorney-at-Law, who once 
conducted a school on High Street, in the building now known 
as East Hall of Wesleyan University. 

76. Spinning wheel. 

77. Reel for skeining woolen yarn. 

78. Old kettle crane. 

79. Baker shovel, used for drawing bread, etc., from old 
brick oven. 

80. Pistol, made in Middletown, 1862, by Alsop Arms Co. 

81. Clock weight from Gen. Parsons' house. (See No. 59.) 

82. One-dollar bill of Central National Bank, Middletown, 
Nov. 17, 1851, bearing signatures of Henry D. Smith, Cashier, 
and Charles Woodward, President. 

83. Flint-lock fowling piece. 

84. String of antique sleigh bells. 

85. Complete old appliance for making cheese. 

86. Runlet, or wooden drinking bottle. 

87. Three silver plated buttons formerly worn by the 
Partridge cadets and recently excavated on the grounds of 
Wesleyan University. 

88. Old embroidered cloth bag. 

89. Medal of the Father Mathew Temperance Society. 

90. Exhibition case of plane irons, made by E. W. N. Starr 
&Co. 

91. Daguerreotype of Rev. John R. Crane, D. D., pastor of 
the first Church of Middletown, 1818-1853. 

92. Picture of Dr. Wm. Bryan Casey, a former physician of 
Middletown, surgeon of the 20th Conn. Regiment. 

93. Portrait of Gen. William H. Russell, native of Middle- 
town, late of New Haven. 



94 



25 



Ten-skilling piece, Danish- American, 1816. 



95. Tin baker for fire-place. 

96. Old mortar and pestle. 

97. Old brass kettle. 

98. Crane for fire-place. 

99. Wall map of Middletown, 1851. 

100. Large hair trunk. 

101. Small hair trunk. 

102. Old-fashioned wall candlestick. 

103. Illustrated map of Andersonville Prison. 

104. Foot-stove, from old Stow house, Middlefield. 

105. Iron skillet used by the grandmother of Mrs. Geo. N. 
Ward of Middletown. 

106. Old soup tureen and ladle. 

107. Old china platter. 

10S. Covered basket, which belonged to Mrs. Samuel 
Mather, grandmother of Mrs. W. B. Hubbard. 

109. Large old clothes basket. 

no. Old bandbox with picture of New York City Hall on 
cover. 

in. Steelyards. 

112. a, b, c. Three fire buckets stored for years in the loft 
of the Middlesex County National Bank. 

113. a,b. Two fire buckets owned by Capt. Henry Louis 
de Koven of Middletown. 

114. a, b. Two fire buckets from estate of Charles A. 
Boardman of Middletown. 

115. Fire bucket owned by Mrs. Sarah S. Spencer, who in 
1824 built and occupied the house now 208 Washington Street, 
Middletown. 

116. a, b, c. Fire buckets. 

117. Small hair trunk. 

118. Old waffle iron. 

119. Candle mould. 

120. a, b. Fluid lamps. 

121. Engraving of Henry Clay. 

122. Office doorplate of Dr. Wm. Bryan Casey. (See No. 92.) 

123. a, b, c. Whiskey flasks. 1850. 

124. Small steelyards, made in Middletown. 



125. Combination knife, fork, and spoon. 

126. Framed copy of Declaration of Independence. 1818. 

127. Picture of Henry Clay Work, poet of the Civil War. 

128. a, b. Hetchels. 

129. a, b, c, d, e. Reel. 

130. Portrait of Fanny Harrison of North Branford, sister 
of Captain Harrison of war of 1812. 

132. Photograph of old Court House, Middletown, demol- 
ished 1893. 

133. Painting by Benjamin P. Elliott, who lived on the 
corner of Court and Pearl Streets, Middletown. 



The following articles are from the collection of Mr. Charles 
H. Neff of Portland: 



134 



Reel. 



135. Old cow-bell. 

136. Fire tongs. 

137. Old hand-made shears. 

138. Very old tinder box. 

139. Pot hook, to lift pots or kettles. 

140. Two weaver's shuttles. 

141. Powder horn. 

142. Hank of bleached linen thread. 

143. Skein of white linen yarn. 

144. Two hanks of unbleached spun flax. 

145. Hank of unbleached linen thread. 

146. Roll of sheep's wool. 

147. Old foot-stove. 

148. Piece of wood from the keel of a ship unearthed in 
Front Street, New York, in 1893. The ship is claimed to have 
been an English transport, which brought troops and ammuni- 
tion to this country in the French Colonial Wars, and which 
was sunk in New York harbor about 1733. 

149. Swingling knife, used for beating flax. 

150. Rapier, 31-inch blade. 

151. Rapier and sheath. 

152. Flint-lock picked up on the battlefield of Yorktown, 
Va., about 1850. 



153- Pair of worsted hetchels over ioo years old. 

154. Iron crane, owned by great-grandfather of Charles A. 
Pelton of Middletown. From Aunt Philinda Pelton House, 
Penfield Hill, Portland. 

J 55- Old barometer and thermometer, once belonging to 
the Overton family, Portland. 

156. Old iron toaster. 



157 
158 
159 
when 
160 
161 
162 
163 
164 

165 
166 



167 

War. 

168 

169 



Revolving gridiron with receptacle for fat. 
String of eight old spools. 

Old Dutch axe brought over in early days. Uncovered 
ploughing. 
Small old pair of candle snuffers. 
Old clasp knife of odd form. 
Brass candlestick. 
Old style bullet mould. 
Pair of creepers, used for walking on ice. 
Iron snuffers and tray. 
Thirty-one chipped flints, made for the flint-lock mus- 



kets used in the old militia companies. 



Sword with sheath. A relic of the Spanish-American 



Hetchel for cleaning flax or hemp. 

Three cannon balls and shell found in an old house in 



Portland. 



170. a, b. Two U. S. Army pistols, manufactured in Middle- 
town by Simeon North in what is now the factory of the 
Rockfall Woolen Co. 

171. Photograph of John A. Sumner, an artist of Middle- 
town, August 4, 1825-December 10, 1899. 

172. Photograph of Gen. Wm. H. Noble of Bridgeport, born 
Aug. 18, 1813, in Middletown. 

173. Photograph of Col. Henry C. Shumway, 7th Regt., 
N. Y., native of Middletown. 

174. Three hickory net needles, used in repairing shad nets. 
Found in garret of old Atkins House, South Main Street, 
Middletown. 

175. Photograph of the medal given to all surviving three- 
months men in the Civil War. 



176. Piece of hand-made clap-board taken from Central 
Hotel, Meriden, built in 1752, removed in 1890. 

177. Plan and specifications of Woodward House, built by 
Samuel Stearns, corner of Broad and Court Streets, Middletown. 

178. Gentleman's sword, which belonged to Capt. Hubbard 
Fuller, Moodus. 

179. a, b. Two military hats worn by members of Mans- 
field Guard, 6th Regt. Conn. Militia. 

180. Bayonet sheath with canvas belt, said to have been 
used in the Mexican War. 

181. Bayonet found in digging sewer in northern part of 
Middletown, 1908. 

182. Artillery pike found in ruins of Wilcox & Crittenden 
factory, built in 1808, burned 1907. 

183. Forty-pound shot that killed Charles C. Pollard at 
Spring Hill, Va., in the Civil War. 

184. Folio containing 30 photographs of celebrated paint- 
ings and places in Europe, and several local views. 

185. Framed letter to Philip Mortimer from trustees of the 
First Church, tendering him a church sitting in appreciation 
of his donation of a burying-ground for the use of the people 
of the city. 

186. Toll sign from Middletown-Portland bridge, made free 
1908. 

187. Pre-Revolutionary sign from Dan Cheney's tavern, 
Portland. Masonic emblems are painted on one side, and a 
schooner on the other. 

188. Cane and banner from dedication of stone bridge, 
Hartford. 



189 
190 
191 
192 

193 
194 

195 
196 
197 
198 



a, b. Two astral lamps. 

a, b, c, d. Four military hats. 

Old toasting iron. 

a, b y c. Three Indian stone weapons. 

Pair of old beaded moccasins. 

Old iron shovel. 

Old-fashioned travelling bag. 

Flip iron. 

Eleven colored military pictures. 

Advertising signs of Joseph T. Bell, manufacturer of 



military caps and belts, New York. 



29 

199- Office sign of E. W. N. Starr, town clerk in Middle- 
town for thirty-eight years. 

200. Silk banner of Mattabesett Division of Sons of Tem- 
perance. 

201. Facsimile of judge's warrant for execution of 
Charles I. 

202. Facsimile of Connecticut Charter of 1662, obtained of 
Charles II. by Gov. Winthrop. 

203. Facsimiles of autographs of original officials of first 
Government of Colony of Connecticut (1639), comprising the 
towns of Dorchester, Newtowne, and Watertown, soon after 
called Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield, respectively. 

204. Facsimile of autographs of the first government of the 
Colony of Connecticut (1665), after the union of the colonies of 
Connecticut and New Haven. 

205. African spear-head made by natives. 

206. Hand-wrought African knife. 

207. Pair of white openwork stockings, knit about 1850 by 
Mrs. Maria Bishop. 

208. Knapsack of Mansfield Guard. 

209. Musket used by Gilbert Bailey of Middletown in the 
Mexican War. 

210. A chair owned and used by Pres. Washington in New 
York. 

211. Old door lock, found in the Eagle Hall Block. 

212. Small sampler. 

213. Musket made in Middletown in 1833, by Nathan Starr. 
Found in the Eagle Hall Block. 

214. Framed letter of Daniel French to his mother. French 
was a native of Berlin, Conn. He was a high-grade mechanic 
and especially interested in steam engines and their use in 
steamboats. It seems probable that Fulton and Livingston 
employed him to build the " Enterprise " and to equip it with 
one of his engines. 

215. Small band-box, made in imitation of those in use by 
ladies about 70 years ago. 

216. Spool of sewing-silk bought during the Civil War of 
Mr. James H. Taylor, a merchant tailor doing business on 
Main Street. Cost $1.37. 



217. Photograph of Mr. George H. Bishop. Born in Middle- 
town, June nth, 1831, died on August 19th, 1909. A well- 
known civil engineer and one of the best authorities on 
hydraulic engineering in the country. 

218. Old spectacles in case. 

219. Badge of the Harrison and Tyler political campaign. 

220. Model of a privateer, which was commanded by Capt. 
William Van Deursen, grandfather of Miss M. M. Van Deursen, 
during part of the Revolutionary War. The model was made 
from a single block of wood by Capt. Van Deursen 's nephew, 
Charles Francis. 

221. Three silhouettes. Of Mrs. Richard Hubbard, Edward 
C. Hubbard, and a relative. 

222. Framed photograph of Mr. Walter B. Hubbard, a 
charter member of the Middlesex County Historical Society, 
leader of the Membership and House Committees, to whom is 
due much of the present attractiveness of the Society's rooms. 

223. Old-fashioned stiletto. 

224. Search Warrant with signature of Jabez Hamlin, first 
Mayor of Middletown. Served at the instigation of Robert 
Hubbard on November 24th, 1774. 

225. Flint-lock pistol, made in Middletown 1844, by J. D. 
Johnson. One of the last of this kind made. 

226. Cups and saucer of " Bristol " ware. Belonged to Gen. 
Lusk who served in the Revolutionary War. 

227. Platter of "Davenport" ware. Belonged to Gen. 
Lusk. 

228. Eight nails frdm a house one hundred and fifty years 
old, known as the Congregational Mission House of Middle 
Haddam. 

229. Sword of Ithamar Pelton, grandfather of William 
Walter Pelton of Cromwell and of Dr. J. A. Pelton, formerly 
of Middletown. 

230. Watch carried through the Civil War by Dumont 
Ripley Carey, step-grandson of Judge Hezekiah Ripley of 
Windham, Conn. 

231. Yale diploma of Judge Hezekiah Ripley of Windham, 
Conn. 1764. 

232. Hour glass. 



31 

2 33- Spinning wheel. 

234. Reel. 

235. Cord and tassel used in the old First Church on Main 
Street. 

236. A round table from the estate of George H. Hulbert. 

237. Old high-back rocking chair. 

238. Old sofa formerly the property of Edward A. Russell. 

239. a, b. Quaint leghorn hat, formerly the property of 
Miss Emily Tracy. Band-box of old fashioned style formerly 
in family of Mrs. A. W. Hazen. 

240. "Flip" glass, formerly the property of Col. John 
Sumner, who died in 1787, aged 51 years. 

241 . Dutch oven, formerly belonged to Mrs. Clarissa Birdsey 
of Middletown. 

242. a, b, c. Three antique trays, formerly belonged to 
Mrs. Clarissa Birdsey of Middletown. 

243. Photograph of Jonathan Kilbourn, for many years the 
proprietor of the Farmers and Mechanics Hotel, Middletown. 

244. Photograph of Benjamin Butler, a native of Cromwell, 
for many years a sail-maker on Water Street, Middletown. 

245. Photograph of Gen. James T. Pratt of the State Militia, 
a native of Middletown. 

246. Old fashioned spectacles. 

247. Badge of member of Committee on First Settlers worn 
by Frank F. Starr at 250th Anniversary of settlement of town 
of Middletown. 

248. a, b, c, d. Badge of Aid at the Centennial Anniversary 
of Middletown, 1884, worn by E. W. N. Starr. Also three 
other badges used on same occasion. 

249. Framed photograph of Josiah Meigs Hubbard, a native 
and resident of Middletown, 1832-1909. 

250. Old style straw bonnet. 

251. Framed photograph of Brig. Gen. Joseph King Fermo 
Mansfield, U. S. A. For many years a resident of Middletown. 

252. Antique hunting knife found on the farm of Dr. Miner 
C. Hazen of Haddam, Conn. 

253. Framed photograph of Horace Clark, ninth mayor of 
Middletown. 

254. Musket balls found on the battlefield of Saratoga, 
about 1840 by E. W. N. Starr. 



255- Framed lithograph of old Middletown, which had hung 
in the office of Meech & Stoddard since 1870. 

256. Engraving of the Charter Oak, from the original paint- 
ing, formerly in the possession of Hon. Marshall Jewell of 
Hartford. 

257. Photograph of the Gen. Samuel Holden Parsons' house, 
1 783-1 786. Built by Constant Kirkland in 1783. Torn down 
in 19 — . 

258. a, b. Framed photograph of Elijah Hubbard Roberts 
and his wife, Emily Pratt Roberts. 

259. Picture with signature and other handwriting of Gen. 
L. E. Spinner, Treasurer of the United States. 

260. Silhouette of Dr. Joseph Barratt (see also 56). 

261. Medal and badge, commemorating the unveiling of 
statue of Gov. Buckingham, Hartford, 1884. 

262. Photograph of Oliver Beebe of Akron, Ohio, born in 
Middletown, September, 1810. 

263. Badge of Connecticut Historical Society, commemor- 
ating Field Day at New London and Groton, 1895. 

264. a, b. Medal of Middletown City Centennial, 1884. 
Medal of 250th Anniversary of settlement of Middletown, 1900. 

265. Medal of Centennial of the battle of Groton Heights, 
1 881. 

266. Medal of Centennial of the inauguration of Washington 
as first President of United States. 1889. 

The following have been added to the Society's collection 
during the past two years: 

267. Curious old game called "Star Spangled Banner." 

268. a, b. Portrait in oils of Rev. Willbur Fisk, D. D., 
1792-1839, first President of Wesleyan University, 1831-1839. 
Small steel engraving of above. 

269. Steel engraving of Rev. Chauncey Goodrich, Pastor of 
First Congregational Church, Middletown, from July, 1816, to 
December, 181 7. 

270. Photographs, from family portraits, of Capt. Joseph W. 
Alsop and his wife, Mrs. Lucy Whittlesey Alsop. 

271. Portion of the yoke of the bell of Christ Church (now 
Holy Trinity), Middletown, said to be of same age as the 
Bell— 1784. 



272. Tape-loom for weaving carpet-binding, in use before 
1800. Formerly the property of Mrs. Comfort Johnson of 
Middletown, grandmother of Mrs. James P. Fay. 

273. Small antique mirror. Formerly property of Mrs. 
Comfort Johnson. 

274. Wicker basket, formerly used to hold the needle-work 
of the Middletown Female Charitable Society, founded in 
1809. 

275. Counterpane of curious pattern, at least 150 years old; 
given to Miss Mary E. Copeland by Miss Emily Tracy. 

276. Daguerreotype of Rev. John R. Crane. Duplicate of 91. 

277. Stays worn in latter part of 1700 by Miss Townsend of 
Oyster Bay, L. I., great-aunt of Miss Charlotte Jackson. 

278. Straw poke-bonnet of old-time style. 

279. a, b. Sabre. 

280. Framed photograph of Middletown and the river, 
evidently taken from the Court House. 

281. Framed picture of Plymouth, Mass. 

282. Mortar and pestle which belonged to Mrs. Mortimer 
Starr. Given by her to Mrs. Ephraim F. Sheldon. 

283. Pewter syringe in use in time of Civil War, 1861-1865. 

284. a, b, c. Sword, sash and commission of Lieut. Frank 
B. Comstock, 24th Connecticut Regiment. 

285. «, b, c, d, e,f. Photographs of Middletown at various 
points, taken during "blizzard" of 1888. 

286. Wooden shuttle used by the Pameacha Manufacturing 
Company, 1808, the first manufacturers of broad-cloth in the 
U. S. Found in office of Wilcox, Crittenden & Company. 

287. Spectacles made in Middletown, probably about 1800. 

288. Document: Resignation of Jabez Hamlin as mayor of 
Middletown, 1788. Not accepted, as he served until his death 
in 1791. 

289. Glazed tile from the Porcelain Tower of Nanking, 
China, erected 1411-1430. 

290. Document: Order, calling together the city authorities 
of Middletown to make arrangements for defense of the city — 
date probably about 1812. 

291. Cradle bought for Mrs. Susan Carrington Hubbard 
Ray, in 1S31. 



292. Footstove which belonged to Henry Carrington, 
grandfather of Mrs. S. C. H. Ray, who died in 1871, aged 91. 
He was associated with Capt. Joseph Alsop in West India 
trade. 



The Society has a library of 2,483 volumes and 
pamphlets, many old newspapers, letters, deeds, and 
other records of historic value. One hundred and 
twenty-nine books and pamphlets have been presented 
during the past year. Mansfield Post, G. A. R., of 
Middletown has presented the Society with its large 
collection of relics of the Civil War. The Society also 
has in its keeping many articles loaned by the owners, 
notably a collection of curious old wearing apparel 
and fine embroideries, and a number of oil portraits. 



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